Major Depressive Disorder
Depression that has impaired daily life for two or more weeks.
MDD is the diagnostic foundation underneath most TMS referrals. Deep TMS is FDA-cleared as an adjunctive treatment for adults who have not had adequate benefit from antidepressants. The H1 coil targets the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex bilaterally, modulating mood-relevant circuits including the subgenual anterior cingulate.
Most patients begin to notice symptom changes between weeks 2 and 3. The standard course is approximately 30 sessions over 6 weeks, followed by tapering.
FDA status
FDA-cleared (BrainsWay H1, 2013; expanded 2024 to ages 22–86)
Standard protocol at IPMG TMS
20–30 sessions over 4–6 weeks · H1, 18 Hz or iTBS
- 79% response · 60% remission (older adults)247 patients ages 60–91 across 16 sites, 30 sessions, H1 coil.Roth et al., J Clin Med 2024
- Sustained response in 84% of respondersReal-world durability data at next post-treatment assessment.Tendler 2023 cohort
Who this is for.
- Adults with MDD diagnosis confirmed by board-certified psychiatrist
- Patients seeking treatment that does not affect weight, sleep, or sexual function
- Older adults whose bodies tolerate medications poorly
Eligibility is finalized at consultation. We screen carefully for contraindications — see the Safety page.
Talk with the IPMG TMS team.
A consultation is the right next step. We will review your prior treatments, confirm whether you meet the FDA-cleared criteria for this indication, and walk you through what your insurance covers.