Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (rTMS) is a treatment for depression. The effectiveness of it has been recognised by NICE (Nation Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence) and the royal college of psychiatrists who recommend rTMS as a treatment for depression. rTMS works by delivering repeated trains of magnetic pulses stimulating an area of the brain that regulates mood. rTMS is non-invasive, which means that it does not require needles or an anaesthetic.

Who might have rTMS?

rTMS offers an alternative for people suffering from depression that have not responded to psychological therapy, antidepressant medication or for those whom antidepressants are not suitable.

rTMS is 30 sessions delivered on a daily basis Monday to Friday. Appointments are roughly an hour and the clinic runs in the afternoons.

Further information is available on the Royal College of Psychiatrists website or the NICE guidelines for rTMS are available online.

How to access rTMS

You might be eligible to be considered for rTMS if you are under the care of secondary mental health services and your consultant thinks it is an appropriate treatment. They can submit a referral form to the rTMS team for consideration.

If you are interested in rTMS but not currently under the care of secondary mental health services then you may be able to access this service privately, either funding this yourself or it may be covered by your health insurance if you have it. You may wish to discuss this with your GP/health provider and ask them to make contact with the rTMS team.