Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation, or TMS, is the use of a magnetic coil to cause or inhibit activity in the brain.

For the treatment of depression, a technique called repetitive TMS, or rTMS is used, where the same area of the brain (the prefrontal cortex, which is involved in the modulation of mood) is repeatedly stimulated.

In TMS Therapy for depression, a typical treatment involves 37.5-60 minute sessions in which 3000-5000 pulses are delivered.  Usually 26-36 treatments are administered over the course of 4-6 weeks.

These treatments result in long term changes in the connectivity of the brain, breaking the pattern of depression and negative feedback and allowing patients to find the way back to being themselves again.