What Is Deep TMS? Understanding the Science Behind BrainsWay’s Breakthrough Therapy
We're committed to offering cutting-edge solutions for mental health that are both safe and effective.
One of the most powerful tools we provide is BrainsWay Deep Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (Deep TMS)—a non-invasive, FDA-cleared treatment for major depressive disorder (MDD), obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), and nicotine addiction.
But what exactly is Deep TMS, how does it work, and why is it changing lives for patients who have struggled for years with persistent mental health conditions? Let’s explore the science, clinical results, and what you can expect during treatment.
What Is Deep TMS?
Deep TMS is an advanced form of transcranial magnetic stimulation that uses magnetic fields to stimulate areas of the brain involved in mood, behavior, and cognition directly.
Unlike medications, which must pass through your entire body and often come with systemic side effects, Deep TMS is targeted, non-systemic, and non-invasive.
It sends repetitive magnetic pulses through a special coil placed inside a helmet that sits comfortably on your head.
What makes BrainsWay Deep TMS different from traditional TMS is its H-Coil technology, which reaches deeper and broader brain regions—up to 4 cm beneath the skull—allowing it to more effectively influence the neural circuits associated with depression, OCD, and addiction.
How Does It Work?
BrainsWay Deep TMS operates on the principle of neuroplasticity—your brain’s natural ability to form new connections and adapt over time. When parts of the brain involved in mood regulation become underactive or dysregulated, it can lead to symptoms of depression or obsessive behaviors.
The magnetic pulses used in Deep TMS stimulate these underperforming regions, helping reset and regulate neural activity.
For depression, the treatment targets the left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC), which plays a crucial role in mood and executive function.
For OCD, it targets deeper regions, including the anterior cingulate cortex (ACC) and medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC)—areas overactive in those with compulsive thoughts and behaviors.
For smoking addiction, it stimulates the insula and prefrontal cortex, areas tied to craving and decision-making.
This stimulation is gentle—many patients report a light tapping sensation during treatment—and requires no anesthesia or sedation.
Is It Effective?
Yes—and the data is compelling.
Depression (MDD)
In a pivotal multicenter randomized controlled trial, Levkovitz et al. (2015) found that patients receiving BrainsWay Deep TMS showed significantly higher response and remission rates compared to a placebo group:
82% of patients achieved a clinical response
65% achieved full remission of depressive symptoms
Source: Levkovitz Y et al., World Psychiatry, 2015
Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)
In a double-blind trial published in the American Journal of Psychiatry, 38.1% of patients treated with Deep TMS showed a ≥30% reduction in Y-BOCS scores (a key measure of OCD severity), compared to only 11.1% in the placebo group.
Source: Carmi L et al., Am J Psychiatry, 2019
Smoking Addiction
In 2020, the FDA cleared Deep TMS for smoking cessation based on trials showing significant reductions in nicotine cravings and smoking behavior.
Source: Zangen A, Roth Y et al., Biol Psychiatry, 2021
What Are the Benefits?
✅ Non-invasive (no surgery or medications)
✅ No systemic side effects (unlike antidepressants)
✅ 20-minute sessions, 5 days a week for 4–6 weeks
✅ Safe to combine with therapy or medications
✅ Minimal to no downtime
Most patients begin noticing improvements within 2–3 weeks of starting treatment, with results that continue to build over time.
What Happens During a Session?
Your journey starts with a consultation at Sunny Skies Healthcare to determine if you’re a candidate for Deep TMS.
During each session:
You’ll sit comfortably while the Deep TMS helmet is on your head.
Magnetic pulses are delivered for approximately 20 minutes.
You can return to your day immediately—no recovery time is needed.
Patients often describe the treatment as painless, with only mild tapping or scalp sensations.
Real People. Real Results.
Patients at Sunny Skies Healthcare consistently report powerful changes in their lives after completing a Deep TMS course:
“I had tried everything for my depression—meds, therapy, even hospitalization. Deep TMS helped me feel joy again for the first time in years.” — James, Chicago.
“My OCD was running my life. Now, I have space in my brain to breathe, think clearly, and enjoy time with my family.” — Marissa, Miami Beach
Is Deep TMS Right for You?
If you or someone you love is struggling with depression, OCD, or nicotine dependence—and traditional treatments haven’t worked—BrainsWay Deep TMS may offer the breakthrough you’ve been waiting for.
Take a Quiz
See if you qualify today!