TMS for depression
Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation treatment for depression

Straight to:
TMS is a safe, non-invasive therapy that uses magnetic pulses to target the brain areas responsible for mood and emotional control. It is widely approved for treating depression, with extensive research confirming its effectiveness.
What causes depression?
Depression affects more than 1 in 10 people in Ireland. Depression impacts over 10% of people in Ireland. Its exact cause is unclear, but it involves an imbalance in the brain's neurotransmitters and reduced activity in the frontal lobes.
What is depression?
Depression is more than just a temporary feeling of sadness. It is a serious illness with symptoms that can make life feel unbearable.
While symptoms can vary, many people with depression experience overwhelming sadness and hopelessness. Other common symptoms include:
- Lacking motivation
- Feeling tired and lacking energy
- Losing confidence and self esteem
- Being unable to find happiness in things that you usually enjoy
- Experiencing problems sleeping
- Losing your appetite or overeating
- Lacking concentration
- Losing your sex drive
- Having suicidal thoughts
Depression is the most common mental health conditions in the UK and Ireland. The positive news is that it is treatable, and you don't have to endure these challenging symptoms any longer.
Depression treatment options
Standard treatments for depression typically include a combination of antidepressants and talking therapies like Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT). If these don't work, your GP might refer you to a psychiatrist for other options, such as Electroconvulsive Therapy (ECT).
Studies indicate that Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) can significantly enhance the quality of life for many individuals with depression.
While antidepressants and ECT can help reduce symptoms for some, their side effects may outweigh the benefits. TMS offers higher response and remission rates with fewer and milder side effects, addressing not just the symptoms but the root cause of depression.
How does TMS work as a treatment for depression?
The treatment stimulates the prefrontal cortex, the brain area responsible for mood, motivation, and social skills. Specifically, the left side is linked to positive emotions. Unlike medication that may numb feelings, TMS targets the core issue by using magnetic pulses to reset brain patterns and pathways.
Research shows that TMS is a safe and effective treatment for depression. Our expert team has created programs for unipolar depression, bipolar disorder, seasonal affective disorder, and postnatal depression. Our goal is to help more patients enjoy a better quality of life, free from depression symptoms.
A TMS treatment plan for depression includes 30 sessions over three to six weeks. Each session is 30 minutes long, and some patients can have more than one session per day.
Smart TMS results
Smart TMS uses the latest scientific techniques to treat patients with depression. Our recent data audit for major depression treatment shows:
- 49% went into remission.
- 56% had a 33% reduction in the severity of their symptoms.
Extensive research confirms that Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation is a safe and effective method for treating depression.

TMS compared to other treatments
Treatment | TMS | ECT | Antidepressants |
---|---|---|---|
Description | Non-invasive magnetic fields | Electrical current to induce seizure | Oral Medication |
NICE approved | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
Non-invasive | ✓ | ✘ | ✓ |
Outpatient treatment | ✓ | ✘ | ✓ |
Ongoing recovery | ✓ | ✘ | ✘ |
Side-effects | Mild headaches Mild fatigue 1 in 50,000 risk of seizures |
Confusion Disorientation Headaches Intense sleepiness Jaw ache Anesthetic complications Memory loss Muscle aches Nausea |
Anxiety Diarrhoea Dizziness Fatigue Headache Increased appetite Migraine Nausea Nervousness Sleep problems Sexual dysfunction Weight gain |
TMS treatment costs
Assessment price
Once you've completed the online questionnaires and confirmed TMS is suitable for you, you'll have a video chat with one of our expert clinicians. This session allows you to discuss your condition, ask questions, and get personalised advice on how TMS can help you.
The cost of this assessment is €300 .
Depression and anxiety treatment prices
At Smart TMS, we understand that many of our patients experience both depression and anxiety. That's why we treat these conditions together in the same session.
TMS treatment for depression and anxiety consists of two courses. Most patients notice significant improvements after just 15 sessions.
Dublin Location | |
Initial course (15 sessions) |
€3,000 |
Second course (15 sessions) |
€3,000 |
Total costs (including assessment) |
€6,300 |
"Everyone I dealt with was extremely friendly, helpful and supportive. Having suffered from treatment resistant depression, I feel I can now face so much of the major stressors in my life. This has been such a successful treatment for me and if you compare it to a recurring prescription of therapy, it works out so much more affordable without any side effects."
"Friendly knowledgeable staff and excellent service. The clinic in Bristol was clean and easy enough to find from the train station. I wasn't sure what to expect of the treatment but once I was used to it, it became quite relaxing and I am feeling much better than before I started. I'm looking forward to going back each month to have my top up sessions."
"The practitioner who carries out my treatment was very professional and made the whole experience stress free."
Continuous care
Dr. Neal and his team are committed to ensuring patients remain healthy after completing their TMS treatment. With insights from research and our experience, we've created aftercare packages that offer ongoing support through a structured program of regular follow-up treatments.
Have you had TMS treatment for depression at another clinic? Smart TMS can offer you maintenance therapy, too.
Not sure if TMS is right for you?