TMS Therapy
for OCD
Struggling to find a treatment that is effective can be difficult for some people. TMS Therapy for OCD is a great alternative to traditional talk therapy and prescription medication.
10
locations
75,000+
TMS sessions
Serving NY since
1996
★
4.8
rating
THE SCIENCE
What is OCD?
Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is a mental health condition characterized by persistent, intrusive thoughts (obsessions) and repetitive behaviors or mental rituals (compulsions).
Individuals with OCD feel compelled to carry out these actions to alleviate the distress or fear associated with their obsessions. These compulsions, though temporarily relieving, can dominate daily life, making routine tasks challenging.
Obsessions
Obsessions are unwanted, intrusive thoughts, images or urges that cause real fear and anxiety. Most people have a stray distressing thought now and then and can let it go. With OCD, the thought sticks, and getting through the day around it becomes exhausting.
Obsessions can take almost any form. The most common themes are:
- Contamination: fear of germs, illness, or of contaminating someone else
- Harm: intrusive fears of hurting yourself or someone you love, often the people you care about most
- Taboo thoughts: unwanted thoughts that feel deeply at odds with who you are
- Symmetry and perfection: a persistent sense that something is not right until it is exact, ordered, or complete
These are the patterns we see most often, not the full list. Obsessions are not a reflection of your character, and having them does not mean you want to act on them.
Compulsions
Compulsions are typically repeated to find relief from whatever obsession the person is dealing with. Types of compulsions:
- Checking compulsions
- Mental compulsions
- Repeating compulsions
- Cleaning compulsions
- Symmetry and ordering
Any behavior that someone acts out to get rid of fear from an obsession is a compulsion.
Is TMS Therapy right for you? Find out today!
A free consultation is all it takes to know for sure - no commitment, no pressure, just answers. Most patients are seen within the week.
UNDERSTANDING TMS
Everything you need to know
How TMS helps with OCD
Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) is often linked to hyperactivity in certain brain regions, such as the Dorsolateral Prefrontal Cortex, Orbitofrontal cortex, and the Pre-Supplementary Motor Area. These areas play crucial roles in our reactions to anxieties and ritualistic behaviors characteristic of OCD.
TMS targets and modulates these specific regions, recalibrating their neural activity. By doing so, TMS can alleviate obsessions and compulsions, breaking the cycle of obsession, anxiety, compulsion, and temporary relief, offering a new avenue for managing OCD.
When to consider TMS
TMS may be worth exploring if you recognize yourself in any of the following: Daily disruption: OCD symptoms are interfering with work, relationships, or overall quality of life. Medication intolerance: Side effects like drowsiness, dizziness, or weight gain have made medication hard to continue. Limited relief from other treatments: Therapy or medication has helped only temporarily, or not enough. Preference for non-invasive care: No sedation, surgery, or invasive procedures required. A 2020 study found that 65.3% of people with OCD reported severe disruption to their daily lives. If that resonates with you, it's worth discussing TMS with a healthcare provider to see if it fits your situation.
Benefits of TMS
For OCD, much of the case for TMS comes down to what it does not ask you to give up.
- It works alongside your current treatment: TMS is FDA-cleared for OCD as an addition to standard care, not a replacement for it. You can continue therapy and medication throughout your course of treatment.
- No systemic side effects: OCD is often treated with high doses of SSRIs, which for some people brings weight gain, fatigue or sexual side effects. TMS is not a medication and does not circulate through your body, so those trade-offs are not part of it.
- No downtime: Sessions take place in our office while you are awake, with no sedation and no recovery period. You drive yourself home and go straight back to your day.
- Relief that lasts: Most patients notice a shift a few weeks into treatment rather than right away, and for many that relief continues after the course is finished.
Your provider will review your history, your symptoms and what you have already tried to confirm whether TMS is the right fit for you.
THE BENEFITS
Why choose TMS Therapy
A safe, proven path to relief - without medication, downtime, or guesswork.
Minimal side effects
While all treatments come with their set of side effects, TMS stands out for its minimalism in this regard. The most commonly reported side effect is a slight discomfort at the treatment site, which usually diminishes with time. This contrasts sharply with other treatments, especially medications, which can sometimes lead to many systemic side effects.
Quick and convenient treatment sessions
In today’s fast-paced world, lengthy medical procedures can be a deterrent. TMS therapy addresses this concern with its relatively short sessions. Typically lasting 18-37 minutes, these sessions can easily be scheduled during lunch breaks or between daily tasks, ensuring minimal disruption to a patient’s routine. Additionally, there’s no recovery period post-session, allowing patients to immediately resume their activities.
FDA approved
Achieving FDA approval is a testament to a treatment’s efficacy and safety. TMS has not only been recognized by the FDA but has also been approved for the treatment of both OCD and depression. This approval provides patients and clinicians alike with the confidence that TMS is a credible, effective, and safe treatment option.
Non-invasive nature
One of the most significant benefits of TMS is its non-invasive approach. Patients need not undergo surgery, have implants placed, or face the challenges typically associated with more invasive procedures. This feature makes it particularly appealing for those who might be apprehensive about surgical treatments or the potential complications they might entail.
LOCATIONS
Care close to home, across New York
With 10 locations across the Hudson Valley, Westchester, Long Island, the Capital Region, and Central New York, Clearwave care is closer than you may think.
Ready to feel like yourself again?
Most new patients are seen within the week.