Reaches deeper brain regions
Deep TMS uses a patented H7-coil to directly reach broader and deeper brain regions than standard rTMS — specifically the anterior cingulate cortex and medial prefrontal cortex, the structures central to OCD.
FDA-Cleared · Non-Invasive · Drug-Free
OCD Treatment
Break the cycle of obsessive thoughts and compulsive behaviors with Deep TMS — the first FDA-cleared non-invasive device for OCD.
Understanding OCD
When thoughts and rituals take over
Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is a mental health condition defined by a combination of anxiety-inducing thoughts (obsessions) and the repetitive behaviors meant to soothe them (compulsions). It can be time-consuming, create significant distress, and take a toll on family, friends, and work.
According to the DSM-5, OCD occurs in approximately 1.2% of the population. While females are affected at a slightly higher rate, males are more likely to develop OCD during childhood. Three in four individuals with OCD also have a history of anxiety disorders, and nearly one in two battles depression alongside their OCD symptoms.
First FDA-cleared non-invasive device for OCD
Targets the anterior cingulate cortex
18-minute sessions
No anesthesia or recovery time
Recognizing OCD
The cycle of obsessions and compulsions
OCD is not a personality quirk — it is a serious condition that can consume hours of each day and severely limit quality of life. The brain circuits driving OCD can be directly targeted with Deep TMS.
Common Obsessions
- Cleanliness and fear of contamination
- Worrying about disastrous events
- Organizing, counting, symmetry, or ‘just right’ thinking
- Taboo thoughts or mental rituals
Common Compulsions
- Excessive hand washing or cleaning
- Repeated checking (locks, appliances, etc.)
- Counting, ordering, or arranging rituals
- Mental rituals to neutralize thoughts
Daily Impact
- Significant time lost to rituals each day
- Avoidance of people, places, or situations
- Interference with work, school, and relationships
- Emotional exhaustion and despair
How Deep TMS Helps
Targeting the OCD circuits directly
Regulates OCD circuitry
Gentle magnetic pulses help rebalance neural activity in the brain circuits that fuel obsessive thoughts and compulsive urges — calming the loop that keeps patients stuck.
Breaks the cycle
By targeting the underlying biology of OCD, Deep TMS can reduce the intensity and frequency of obsessions and compulsions, giving patients room to reclaim their daily lives.
Proven Efficacy
Backed by peer-reviewed research
Deep TMS is one of the most rigorously studied non-invasive treatments for OCD. Its efficacy was demonstrated in a landmark 2019 multicenter trial and corroborated by extensive real-world clinical data.
- A 2019 multicenter, double-blind, randomized controlled study published in the American Journal of Psychiatry found statistically significant improvement in OCD symptoms after six weeks of Deep TMS compared to sham treatment.
- 38.1% of patients in the active treatment group achieved a full response (measured by the Yale-Brown Obsessive-Compulsive Scale), compared to just 11.1% in the sham group.
- 54.8% of patients in the active group achieved a partial response, versus just 26.7% in the sham group. Improvements were maintained at least one month after treatment ended.
- Real-world data from over 200 patients showed nearly 60% achieved response after 29 sessions, with more than 70% reaching first response after an average of 18.5 sessions.
Treatment Protocol
A structured plan to reclaim control
Personalized Provocation
Brief exposure · Before each session
Each session begins with a brief personalized provocation, or exposure, designed to activate the relevant OCD-related brain areas. This primes the target circuits for stimulation.
Deep TMS Session
18 minutes · Daily for 6 weeks
The H7-coil delivers gentle magnetic pulses to the medial prefrontal cortex and anterior cingulate cortex. A full course typically involves daily sessions over a six-week period.
Safety Profile
A well-tolerated, non-invasive treatment
As a noninvasive treatment, Deep TMS does not necessitate anesthesia, does not cause any significant or long-lasting side effects, and can be easily incorporated into the patient’s daily schedule. A 2018 study published in Brain Stimulation Journal confirmed that Deep TMS over the medial prefrontal cortex and anterior cingulate cortex is a safe and effective intervention for OCD.
Most common side effects
- Application-site pain or discomfort~25%
- Headache (typically subsides early)~10%
Seizures are extremely rare — a study of Deep TMS treatments from 2010–2020 observed a rate of 2 in 10,000 patients when properly implemented. This compares favorably to rates of 10–40 per 10,000 patients with common antidepressant medication.
Ready to break the cycle?
If OCD has been controlling your daily life, Deep TMS therapy at Chrysalis TMS Institute may offer the relief you’ve been searching for. Speak with our team to learn whether TMS is right for you.