Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) and neurofeedback are innovative therapeutic approaches that can help people who have a variety of mental or behavioral health needs. When you understand the similarities and differences between TMS vs. neurofeedback, you will be able to have an informed discussion with your treatment provider about which service may be best for you.
Similarities of Neurofeedback vs. TMS
Similarities between TMS vs. neurofeedback include:
- TMS and neurofeedback are both technology-based approaches that focus on the brain.
- Both techniques can be incorporated into treatment for many types of mental health conditions.
- They are both noninvasive techniques, which means that no incisions are required and no instruments enter any part of the patient’s body.
- Neither TMS nor neurofeedback require anesthesia or sedation. Patients remain awake and alert throughout both types of sessions.
- Both neurofeedback and TMS patients need to attend multiple sessions in order to receive maximum benefit from the services.
- Neither service poses a significant risk of serious side effects. Patients can usually resume all daily activities, including driving a car, once their session has ended.
- TMS and neurofeedback may both be offered in inpatient, residential, and outpatient settings. However, given the number of sessions people need to attend, most patients will likely take part in these services on an outpatient basis.
Differences Between TMS vs. Neurofeedback
Key differences between neurofeedback vs. TMS include:
Use of technology
- Though it is a noninvasive procedure, TMS uses a device that emits electromagnetic pulses that penetrate the patient’s skull and reach a few centimeters into their brain, for the purpose of stimulating neurons in specified areas.
- Neurofeedback sessions use electroencephalography (EEG) to track patients’ brainwaves. These devices are for recording only – they do not directly alter brain functioning in any manner. Neurofeedback sessions often also use videos, music, or lighting to signal when patients’ brainwaves are in the target range.
Desired outcomes
- The general goal of neurofeedback is to teach patients how to exert greater intentional control of their brain functions. Patients receive positive or negative signals to indicate if they are generating the desired type of brainwaves. Over time, this reinforcement teaches patients how to consciously generate these brainwaves.
- In a sense, TMS functions similar to how certain medications do, by altering how certain parts of the brain function. TMS patients don’t play an active role, as they do during neurofeedback sessions. They simply relax and allow the electromagnetic pulses to do the work.
Time in Treatment
- A full course of TMS therapy usually consists of 30-36 sessions over a period of six to eight weeks. Each TMS session lasts about 20-40 minutes, though they can be longer or shorter depending on a range of factors.
- A standard course of neurofeedback can range from 20-60 sessions, with each session lasting about 45 minutes.
Adverse Effects
- The most common side effects of TMS therapy are headache, dizziness, discomfort where the electromagnetic coil touched their scalp, and a tingling sensation in their jaw. Other adverse effects can include temporary ringing of the ears or increased sensitivity to sound.
- Neurofeedback patients may experience headaches, lightheadedness, and fatigue. Neurofeedback has also been linked with a variety of psychological side effects, including anxiety, panic, depression, and depersonalization.
Benefits of TMS & Neurofeedback
In the right circumstances, both TMS and neurofeedback can be valuable components of a customized treatment plan.
TMS
TMS therapy was first approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration in 2008, for the purpose of treating people with major depressive disorder. In 2018, the FDA expanded its approval to also include obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). Some treatment professionals have also had success using TMS to help people who have a variety of other mental health concerns.
Decades of studies have documented the safety and effectiveness of TMS, with benefits that include:
- Improved mood and increased energy
- Reduced symptoms of anxiety and depression
- Expanded hope for people whose mental health symptoms have not responded to medication
- Limited risk of serious side effects
Also, if you are receiving TMS therapy on an outpatient basis, sessions shouldn’t cause major disruptions to your daily schedule. You will usually need to be at the treatment center for no more than an hour, and once the session is over you will typically be able to drive, return to work, and otherwise fully engage in all aspects of a normal day.
Neurofeedback
As we noted earlier, the goal of neurofeedback is to help you develop the ability to influence how your brain functions – primarily by consciously generating specific types of brainwaves.
Benefits of this approach include:
- Reduction of anxiety and depression
- Enhanced ability to self-soothe or manage stress
- Heightened focus and concentration
- Sense of personal empowerment
- Better quality of sleep
Neurofeedback can be incorporated into treatment for several mental health concerns, including anxiety, attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and substance use disorders (addictions).
How to Decide Between TMS vs. Neurofeedback
The best way to decide between neurofeedback vs. TMS is to consult with your doctor or a member of your treatment team. Factors that can influence this decision include:
- Which mental health disorder or disorders you have developed
- The type, frequency, and intensity of your symptoms
- Your treatment history
- The other elements in your current treatment plan
- If you have any co-occurring medical concerns
No therapy, medication, or course of treatment is ideal for everyone who has a certain mental health disorder. This is why it is so important to find a provider who will work closely with you to understand your needs and select the elements of care that will best help you make sustained progress toward improved health.
Contact Renewal Health Group About Our TMS & Neurofeedback Therapies
If you would like to learn more about mental health treatment that includes TMS or neurofeedback, Renewal Health Group is here to help.
We offer customized mental health and addiction treatment services at three locations in Southern California. Our continuum of care includes detox, residential treatment, and three outpatient options: a partial hospitalization program (PHP), an intensive outpatient program (IOP), and an outpatient program.
To learn more about TMS or neurofeedback, to discuss other aspects of treatment at Renewal Health Group, or to schedule a free assessment, please visit our Contact page or call us today.
