TMS for Adolescent Depression
TMS is FDA-approved for the treatment of depression in adolescents. It provides a non-medication option for younger patients whose symptoms have not responded adequately to other treatments, or whose families prefer to explore alternatives to medication.
The research base in adolescents is newer than in adults, but it is growing, and early results are consistent with what has been observed in adult populations. We use age-appropriate protocols and involve parents or guardians in the evaluation and treatment planning process.
How TMS Works for Adolescent Depression
The mechanism is the same as in adults. TMS targets the left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC), a brain region involved in mood regulation that is underactive in patients with depression. Focused magnetic pulses stimulate this area, increasing neural activity in circuits that medication may not effectively reach.
Standard Protocol
Daily sessions delivered over 4 to 6 weeks. This is the most extensively studied approach in adolescents and is typically covered by insurance when treatment-resistant criteria are met.
Accelerated Protocols
Compressed treatment timelines using theta burst stimulation or multiple daily sessions, reducing the overall number of weeks required.
The protocol decision is made during your consultation with Dr. Nazarani, who evaluates each adolescent patient individually and discusses the options with the patient and their parent or guardian.
Who Is a Candidate?
Your teenager has tried medication or therapy without adequate results.
If one or more treatments have not provided sufficient improvement, TMS is a clinically supported next step. Insurance typically covers the standard TMS protocol for adolescent depression when treatment-resistant criteria are met.
Your family prefers a non-medication approach.
Some families want to explore non-medication options for their teenager. TMS is a valid choice, available as a self-pay option.
The consultation includes both the adolescent patient and a parent or guardian. Dr. Nazarani evaluates the patient's diagnosis, treatment history, and current symptoms, and discusses whether TMS is appropriate and which protocol fits best.
TMS is not appropriate for patients with metal implants in or near the head, a history of seizures, or certain neurological conditions. These are evaluated during the consultation.
What the Research Shows
The evidence base for TMS in adolescent depression is newer than in adults but growing steadily, with results that are broadly consistent with adult outcomes.
Standard Protocols
In controlled trials, approximately 40–45% of adolescents with treatment-resistant depression respond to TMS, and approximately 25–30% achieve remission. Larger real-world clinical datasets have reported higher rates, with response in the range of 60–75% and remission around 50–60%.
Safety
TMS has been well-tolerated in adolescent studies, with side effects consistent with what is seen in adults: mild scalp discomfort and headache, both typically temporary. No seizures have been reported in the major adolescent studies.
What is still emerging
One-year durability data in adolescents are not yet well established. Given that acute outcomes are comparable to adults, long-term patterns are expected to be similar, but more research is needed.
Not everyone responds to TMS. Individual results vary, and Dr. Nazarani will discuss realistic expectations with you and your family during the consultation.
What else you should know
This page covers TMS for adolescent depression specifically. For details on how TMS treatment works, what sessions feel like, and cost and insurance information, see our TMS Overview. For information about TMS for adult depression, including accelerated and one-day protocols, see TMS for Depression.
Frequently Asked Questions
TMS is FDA-approved for adolescent depression. Dr. Nazarani evaluates each case individually, taking into account the patient's age, diagnosis, and treatment history. The consultation includes the parent or guardian.
Standard TMS sessions take approximately 19 minutes and are conducted during office hours. We work with families to find scheduling that minimizes disruption to school and activities. Theta burst sessions can be completed in approximately 3 minutes.
TMS has been well-tolerated in adolescent studies. The most common side effects are mild scalp discomfort and headache, both typically temporary. There is no sedation, no anesthesia, and no cognitive side effects. Your teenager can return to their normal routine immediately after each session.
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The first step is a consultation with Dr. Nazarani, together with a parent or guardian, to evaluate whether TMS is appropriate and which protocol fits best. You are not committing to treatment. You are finding out if it makes sense for your family.