Up to 3% of the United States population has the complex psychiatric condition obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD). Living with OCD is exhausting, involving a constant cycle of intrusive thoughts and repetitive behaviors that take over your day and drain your energy.
While therapy and medication help many people, not everyone finds the relief they’re hoping for. That’s where transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) could help. This noninvasive technology uses magnetic pulses to stimulate targeted areas of the brain involved in OCD symptoms.
TMS is FDA-cleared for several mental health conditions, including major depressive disorder (MDD) and OCD. It’s been widely studied and has a strong safety profile. Because the treatment doesn’t use medication, it’s also a good option for people who struggle with side effects or who haven’t found success with traditional therapies.
At Labyrinth Psychiatry Group, we offer TMS as a safe, effective option for patients who need additional support. If you’re considering TMS, here’s what you can expect from the process.
TMS uses a magnetic coil placed gently against your scalp to deliver controlled pulses of energy. These pulses activate specific brain regions, including the orbitofrontal cortex and anterior cingulate cortex — areas that play a significant role in the OCD cycle.
When these circuits are repeatedly stimulated, brain activity becomes more balanced. Over time, this can reduce intrusive thoughts, ease compulsive urges, and give you more control over your daily life.
TMS doesn’t use electricity, doesn’t require anesthesia, and doesn’t cause seizures. Most patients stay awake and comfortable throughout each session.
Your TMS experience begins with a thorough evaluation. We review your symptoms, history, and previous treatments to ensure TMS is a good fit for you. If you qualify, we then take several essential steps:
During your first session, we identify the exact area of your brain to target. We also determine your motor threshold, the minimum amount of magnetic energy needed to make a small muscle in your hand or fingers twitch. This helps us accurately set the safest and most effective TMS intensity for you.
Most OCD patients receive TMS five days a week for six to nine weeks. Your schedule may vary because we tailor it to your needs, comfort, and progress.
This planning stage helps you understand what’s ahead, so you feel supported before treatment even begins.
When you arrive for your session, you’ll sit in a comfortable chair while the TMS device rests gently against your scalp. Many patients describe the sensation as tapping, clicking, or light pulsing.
Sessions last about 20–30 minutes, during which you stay awake and alert. You can talk, listen to music, or simply relax. There’s no downtime required, so you can return to normal activities right away.
Some patients notice side effects during or after treatment, which may include:
Your care team monitors you throughout treatment, and these effects usually fade quickly as your body adjusts. Patients often say the process becomes routine after the first week, and many even find it relaxing.
Everyone responds to TMS differently. Some people feel improvements within two to three weeks, while others experience gradual changes over the full course of treatment. Progress may include:
We closely monitor your symptoms and adjust treatment as needed. Our goal is to help you achieve the best possible outcome at a pace that feels manageable and supportive. During your consultation, we’ll discuss what long-term care could look like for you and how to support ongoing stability.
TMS results can be long-lasting, especially when combined with therapy skills such as exposure and response prevention (ERP). Many patients enjoy months or even years of improved symptom control. If symptoms return, booster sessions may help you maintain progress.
Choosing TMS is a big decision, but it offers real hope for people struggling with the challenges of OCD. With the benefits of no medication side effects, no downtime, and a gentle, targeted approach to brain stimulation, TMS could open the door to meaningful change.
If you’re ready to explore TMS and learn whether it’s right for you, reach out to Labyrinth Psychiatry Group in New Jersey. Contact our Cranford or Edison office to schedule a consultation and start your journey toward better OCD management.
