TMS therapy is a leading mental health treatment, and one that has been in development for a very long time. The history of TMS therapy spans not just decades, but centuries. Over 300 years of research and advancements in medical science have shaped TMS into the highly effective mental health treatment it is today. Key milestones, between the 18th century to today, have paved the way for it to be the #1 physician-recommended option for treating conditions like major depressive disorder, anxious depression, and obsessive-compulsive disorder.
If you are considering TMS therapy, schedule a consultation with us at Chrysalis Psychiatry. Learn more about the history of TMS therapy and how this effective mental health therapy can be right for you.
The historical origins of TMS therapy date all the way back to the late 1700s, when European medical researchers began exploring how electricity and magnetism could affect our brain activity. These mostly involved experiments on small animals, and observing how their brains responded to electrical and magnetic stimulation. This animal-based research was used to help understand the human body.
In 1780, Italian scientist Luigi Galvani discovered that electrical stimulation could cause a frog’s muscles to twitch—proving that a link between electricity and the nervous and motor systems existed. This inspired further research into how electrical forces could impact the brain and potentially offer therapeutic benefits.
Another Italian scientist, Alessandro Volta, advanced Galvani’s research in 1800 by inventing the first battery. His invention allowed for controlled electrical currents, which enabled more precise studies on electricity’s effects on living tissue. The discovery of electromagnetic induction by Michael Faraday in the 19th century was yet another pivotal moment in the history of TMS therapy—and for using magnetic fields to stimulate the brain. These early scientific and medical discoveries set the stage for future breakthroughs that would eventually lead to the creation of Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS).
One of the most important moments in the history of TMS therapy took place in 1985. Dr. Anthony Barker—a British neurologist and researcher—made a significant discovery that laid the foundation for TMS therapy. Dr. Barker showed that magnetic fields could stimulate the human brain, improving its function without the need for surgery. This discovery marked a key moment in the development of TMS as a non-invasive medical treatment with great potential for mental health.
As researchers began exploring the therapeutic impact of TMS, they found that it could safely treat conditions like major depressive disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder, and major depressive disorder with anxiety, particularly in patients who had not responded to traditional treatments like medication or psychotherapy.
The FDA cleared TMS as a treatment for major depressive disorder in 2008 for adult patients whose depression did not respond to medication. This approval marked a significant milestone in the history of TMS, confirming it as a valid medical alternative to traditional therapies. In 2013, major insurance companies began covering TMS for adults, improving accessibility.
Many health insurance companies today cover TMS therapy. This growing coverage highlights TMS’s reputation as a safe, effective, and non-invasive treatment.
Ongoing medical and scientific research continues to explore TMS’s potential to treat a range of disorders, including OCD and depression with anxiety. The field is growing, offering hope for new treatments and breakthroughs, especially for patients with treatment-resistant conditions.
The history of TMS therapy shows that TMS is a safe treatment for a variety of mental health conditions. At Chrysalis Psychiatry, we proudly offer NeuroStar Advanced TMS therapy to treat major depression, obsessive-compulsive disorder, and anxious depression.
If you are struggling with any of these conditions, NeuroStar Advanced TMS therapy may be the solution you need. Contact our experienced team today to find out if NeuroStar Advanced TMS therapy is the right choice for your mental health journey.
