Yes, TMS is included in depression treatment guidelines as a treatment option for treatment-resistant depression. This means TMS is used when previous treatments, such as medication or psychotherapy, have not been sufficiently effective. TMS can also be applied in combination with other treatments. Within our care, we also offer psychotherapy alongside TMS when appropriate.

An TMS treatment typically consists of 30 to 50 sessions for a lasting effect. These sessions usually take place several times per week over the course of a few weeks. In more intensive treatment programs, sessions may even take place multiple times per day.

TMS is a safe and scientifically validated treatment for depression and OCD. Although it is generally considered safe, there are some risks and possible side effects to be aware of. These are usually mild and do not occur in everyone. In rare cases, a seizure may occur. For individuals with a history of epilepsy, there is a theoretical increased risk, but this has never occurred in TMS treatments in the Netherlands.

Some side effects may include:

• Headache: a common side effect that may occur during or after treatment (in about 10% of people)
• Mild pain or discomfort at the stimulation site: some people experience slight discomfort where the magnetic pulses are applied (rare)
• Mild dizziness: some patients report feeling lightheaded after a session (very rare)
• Muscle contractions or tingling: mild muscle twitches or tingling sensations may occur during stimulation (very rare)

TMS is generally well tolerated and has few side effects. During the first sessions, the tapping sensation on the scalp may feel sensitive or even painful. This varies from person to person. Some clients may also experience mild headaches or small muscle twitches in the face. These are harmless and stop immediately after the stimulation ends. During the treatment, you will hear a clicking sound. Earplugs can be used if you find this disturbing. Any headache can usually be relieved with paracetamol. In most cases, discomfort decreases after several sessions.

It can be difficult to assess this yourself. With our suitability test (currently available in Dutch), you can get an initial indication of whether TMS may be suitable for you. During the intake, our psychiatrist will assess whether TMS is an appropriate treatment based on your symptoms.

Yes, TMS can be used alongside medication for depression, and medication may be reduced if appropriate. This depends on your personal situation and treatment plan. Any adjustments will be discussed in consultation with your prescribing physician or one of our psychiatrists, if desired.

Yes, you can drive as usual after TMS treatment. The treatment does not affect your reaction time. If you feel unwell afterwards, for example due to a headache, we recommend only driving if you feel fit and comfortable doing so.

Yes, waiting times may vary between locations. You can find the current estimated waiting time for each clinic on our clinics page.

If you have treatment-resistant depression (where at least two previous treatments have not been sufficiently effective), TMS is in many cases largely reimbursed by your health insurance. The exact reimbursement percentage varies per insurer and policy. Any remaining costs are waived by us, meaning you do not have to pay anything extra yourself. Currently, DSW and Zorg en Zekerheid do not reimburse TMS treatment. You can view the reimbursement overview here. For costs per session and other fees, click here.

If you have treatment-resistant depression and want to qualify for reimbursement, a referral from your GP or psychiatrist is required. This referral must at least mention “treatment-resistant depression,” even if there are also symptoms such as anxiety or OCD. If you prefer to receive treatment anonymously, without informing your GP or insurance provider, a referral is not required. In both cases, there must be a diagnosis of treatment-resistant depression or OCD.

When there is treatment-resistant depression and you wish to be eligible for reimbursement by your health insurer, a valid referral from your general practitioner or psychiatrist is always required.

In the case of treatment-resistant depression, the referral and available medical information must demonstrate that you currently have a depressive disorder and that the depression is treatment-resistant. We also require relevant information about your psychiatric history and previous treatments. For treatment due to obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), a valid referral and sufficient medical information are also required to assess whether rTMS is indicated.

Our psychiatrist uses this information to determine whether rTMS is a suitable and safe treatment for you. A pre-intake can take place before we have received your referral. However, a valid referral is required for the actual intake.

At this time, rTMS International does not treat minors, as the treatment is not (yet) reimbursed by health insurers for this group. Additionally, there is currently insufficient research on the long-term effects in children.

TMS is a technique that was introduced in the late 1990s as a treatment for depression. Since then, extensive scientific and clinical research has been conducted to establish its safety and effectiveness, as well as to determine the most effective treatment protocols. Research has shown that TMS is a safe method that helps reduce depressive and/or OCD-related symptoms in a large number of patients. Several studies demonstrate that individuals with treatment-resistant depression can also respond positively to TMS. In addition, TMS is included in (inter)national depression treatment guidelines as a treatment option for treatment-resistant depression. Since 2008, TMS has also been approved by the FDA (Food and Drug Administration).