Modern depression care: 8 reasons why more patients are choosing TMS over ECT

Depression can feel like a heavy fog that’s hard to escape, even with medication or psychotherapy. If you or someone you love is living with major depressive disorder, you’re not alone. More than 21 million U.S. adults experience at least one major depressive episode each year. For many, first-line treatments, like antidepressants or psychotherapy, provide meaningful relief. But for others, symptoms continue, leading them to explore additional options. 

For decades, electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) was considered the gold standard for treatment-resistant depression. While ECT remains effective for many people, a modern, noninvasive option called transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) has become increasingly popular. More people today are choosing TMS because it offers a gentler, more convenient and more comfortable experience. 

Below, we’ll walk through the biggest reasons why TMS has become one of the most trusted and preferred treatments for hard-to-treat depression. 

8 reasons why people are choosing TMS over ECT

Reasons why more people are choosing to receive TMS over ECT include:

1. TMS is noninvasive. 

One of the biggest differences between TMS and ECT is how the treatment works. TMS uses magnetic pulses to stimulate underactive areas of the brain involved in mood regulation. ECT uses electrical currents to trigger seizures intentionally. 

Because ECT requires anesthesia, muscle relaxants and a recovery period after each session, patients need someone to drive them home and may feel groggy or confused afterward. In contrast, TMS sessions are done while you’re awake and alert. No sedation. No seizures. No downtime. 

After a TMS session, most people can go right back to work, family responsibilities or their daily routine. 

2. TMS has fewer cognitive side effects. 

ECT can be highly effective, but it can also cause short-term memory issues or cognitive side effects for some patients. Temporary memory loss is one of the most common concerns associated with ECT. 

TMS, on the other hand, doesn’t affect memory. It targets the brain differently and doesn’t induce seizures. People typically experience improved cognitive function. This is one of the main reasons people prefer TMS, especially those whose jobs or academic responsibilities require sustained concentration. 

For military service members, medical personnel and first responders, people who depend on mental clarity and quick thinking, this difference is especially important. 

3. TMS has strong clinical success rates. 

Research over the last decade has consistently shown that TMS is an effective treatment for depression, especially when other therapies haven’t worked. More than 3 out of 4 people respond to TMS, and over 65% achieve full remission. 

These numbers are especially meaningful for individuals who have tried multiple antidepressants without relief. Even better, TMS’s benefits often last long after treatment ends, and some people may choose occasional “maintenance” sessions to help boost long-term stability. 

4. TMS works well alongside other treatments. 

Unlike ECT, which often requires temporarily stopping certain medications, TMS can be combined safely with:

• Antidepressants
• Psychotherapy
• Lifestyle changes like exercise and mindfulness

This flexibility makes TMS an excellent treatment centerpiece. Clinicians personalize a treatment plan that builds on what’s already helping rather than replacing it. People appreciate treatment plans that fit their lives, not the other way around. 

5. TMS fits more easily into daily life. 

A typical TMS session lasts 10-20 minutes, and you stay fully awake. You sit comfortably while a provider positions the magnetic coil near your scalp. Most people describe the sensation as tapping or light pulses. 

Because there’s no recovery time, sessions can often be scheduled before work, during a lunch break or right after school pickup. For parents, military families and people with demanding jobs, having a treatment that doesn’t disrupt daily life can be a huge relief. 

ECT, on the other hand, often requires half a day for preparation, sedation and monitoring afterward. This makes TMS a more practical option for many people. 

6. TMS has a gentler emotional experience. 

Even though ECT is clinically effective, it can feel intimidating due to the anesthesia, medical equipment and the idea of inducing a seizure. Many people report feeling nervous about the process, even when they know it works. 

TMS feels more approachable. There’s no hospital setting, no sedation and no need for medical recovery afterward. The environment is calmer and more relaxed, helping people feel more in control of their treatment journey. 

This emotional comfort matters, especially for people who are already feeling vulnerable. 

7. TMS is covered by most insurance plans. 

As more research supports the safety and effectiveness of TMS, insurance providers have expanded coverage for it. Today, most major insurers cover TMS for treatment-resistant depression. 

This makes TMS much more accessible to individuals and families who may have previously struggled to afford advanced mental health care. 

8. Many people prefer a treatment that supports long-term brain health. 

Because TMS strengthens neuronal pathways involved in mood regulation, many patients feel it supports long-term mental wellness. It’s a technology that works with the brain rather than overriding it. 

This sense of partnership in treatment can empower people to take an active role in their healing, a feeling that’s invaluable during a depression journey.  

Psychiatry Treatment Centers can put hope, healing and modern care within reach

If you or someone you love is exploring effective depression treatment options, TMS may be a powerful next step, especially if medications or psychotherapy alone haven’t provided enough relief. 

Located in California, Psychiatry Treatment Centers offers TMS, Spravato®, medication management and compassionate psychiatric care. Our team proudly supports individuals from all walks of life, including our military service members, veterans and their families, with evidence-based treatment delivered in a supportive, welcoming environment. You deserve care that meets you where you are, and with the right support, healing is possible. 

Reach out to our team by phone today for more information or to schedule an initial appointment. You can also book your initial appointment online now.