1. Deep TMS vs. Standard TMS: What's the Difference?SEO
By: VitaNova Psychiatry & Wellness
1. Deep TMS vs. Standard TMS: What's the Difference?
SEO Title: Deep TMS vs. Standard TMS in Reno, NV: Understanding Your Treatment Options
Meta Description: Learn the differences between Deep TMS and standard TMS for depression and OCD. Discover which option may be right for you in Reno, Nevada.
URL Slug: deep-tms-vs-standard-tms-reno-nv
Deep TMS vs. Standard TMS: Understanding Your Options
If you're researching TMS therapy in Reno, Nevada, you've likely come across two terms: standard TMS and Deep TMS. While both treatments use magnetic pulses to stimulate areas of the brain involved in mood regulation, there are important differences worth understanding.
At VitaNova Psychiatry & Wellness, we believe that informed patients make empowered decisions about their mental health care.
What Is TMS?
Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) is an FDA-cleared treatment that uses magnetic pulses to stimulate specific regions of the brain associated with depression and other psychiatric conditions.
Unlike medications, TMS does not circulate throughout the body and does not require anesthesia or sedation.
What Is Standard TMS?
Standard TMS uses a figure-eight coil positioned over the scalp to target the left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex, an area associated with mood regulation.
This approach has been used for many years and has helped thousands of individuals with treatment-resistant depression.
Standard TMS Characteristics:
Targets a relatively focused area of the brain
Typically administered five days per week
FDA-cleared for major depressive disorder
Sessions usually last 20–40 minutes depending on the protocol
What Is Deep TMS?
Deep Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation uses a specialized H-coil designed to stimulate broader and deeper brain networks involved in emotional processing.
Deep TMS is FDA-cleared for:
Major depressive disorder
Depression with anxious distress
Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)
Smoking cessation
Key Differences Between Deep TMS and Standard TMS
FeatureStandard TMSDeep TMSCoil TypeFigure-eight coilH-coilDepth of StimulationMore superficialBroader and deeper networksFDA-Cleared ConditionsDepressionDepression, anxious depression, OCD, smoking cessationTreatment ExperienceSimilar outpatient procedureSimilar outpatient procedure
Which Option Is Better?
The truth is that there is no universal "best" treatment. The right choice depends on:
Your diagnosis
Previous treatment history
Symptom profile
Personal preferences
Recommendations from your psychiatric provider
For individuals struggling with depression accompanied by significant anxiety, OCD symptoms, or multiple failed medication trials, Deep TMS may be worth discussing with a qualified provider.
Looking for Deep TMS in Reno, Nevada?
If you're exploring TMS therapy in Reno, it's important to work with a provider who takes the time to review your unique history and determine whether you're an appropriate candidate.
Mental health treatment should never be one-size-fits-all.
