Targeted brain stimulation
Deep TMS uses a patented H1 Coil to deliver magnetic pulses that reach broader and deeper brain regions than standard rTMS — directly engaging the left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC).
FDA-Cleared Deep TMS
TMS for Anxiety
The first FDA-cleared TMS system to safely reduce anxiety symptoms comorbid with depression — a non-invasive, medication-free path to calm.
Understanding Anxious Depression
When anxiety and depression overlap
Anxious depression refers to anxiety symptoms in patients suffering from Major Depressive Disorder (MDD). It affects approximately 10–16 million adults in the United States each year. Between 60–90% of patients with depression also experience moderate to severe anxiety.
Both anxiety and depression share a common thread — distress when facing the unknown. While depression is tied to a sense of sadness and lack of energy, anxiety is perceived as a system overload: excessive concern over the possibility of experiencing harm. Deep TMS directly addresses the brain circuits underlying both.
FDA-cleared for anxious depression (2021)
Targets the left DLPFC
20-minute sessions
No anesthesia or recovery time
Recognizing Anxiety
How anxiety shows up
Common anxiety symptoms span physical, cognitive, and emotional domains — often compounding the challenges of depression.
Physical Symptoms
- Increased heart rate and rapid breathing
- Sweating and trembling
- Insomnia or restless sleep
- Muscle tension and fatigue
Cognitive Symptoms
- Difficulty focusing or thinking clearly
- Excessive worry about future harm
- Racing thoughts and mental overload
- Indecisiveness and rumination
Emotional Symptoms
- Nervousness and feelings of panic
- Irritability and restlessness
- Sense of impending doom
- Overwhelming dread in daily situations
How It Works
Calming the brain’s worry circuits
Regulated neural activity
By stimulating the DLPFC, Deep TMS helps rebalance neural circuits that drive both anxious and depressive symptoms — calming the overactivity that fuels worry and panic.
Sustained calm and clarity
Clinical studies show that the reduction in anxiety symptoms is durable, with patients retaining improvement for at least 16 weeks after the acute treatment course.
Proven Efficacy
Backed by peer-reviewed research
Deep TMS has been rigorously studied for its effect on anxiety symptoms comorbid with depression. The results demonstrate meaningful, lasting improvement — even for treatment-resistant patients.
- In a 2015 multicenter, double-blind, randomized controlled study of 212 subjects, Deep TMS showed significantly larger reductions in anxiety symptoms compared to sham stimulation after 20 sessions.
- These improvements were durable for at least 16 weeks, demonstrating sustained relief from anxiety symptoms comorbid with depression.
- Further analysis across 3 randomized controlled studies confirmed favorable outcomes when compared to both sham and medication as standard of care.
- BrainsWay is the FIRST TMS system FDA-cleared to safely and effectively reduce comorbid anxiety symptoms in adult patients with depression.
Safety Profile
A well-tolerated, non-invasive treatment
Deep TMS has been shown to be well-tolerated across multiple studies. It is noninvasive, does not require anesthesia, has no systemic side effects, and can be easily incorporated into the patient’s daily schedule.
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.
Treatment Protocol
A structured path to calm
Acute Phase
Daily sessions · 4 weeks
Daily 20-minute sessions over approximately four weeks to build initial symptom relief. This is the foundation of the treatment course.
Continuation Phase
Twice weekly · 5–8 weeks
Twice-per-week sessions for 5–8 additional weeks to consolidate gains and support sustained recovery. The full course totals 30–36 sessions over 9–12 weeks.
Ready to find calm?
If anxiety has been holding you back, 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.