Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is a debilitating mental health condition that affects millions of people. While medications and cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) are common treatments, many individuals continue to struggle with persistent symptoms despite these interventions.
For those with treatment-resistant OCD, Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) offers a promising, non-invasive alternative. However, with both Deep TMS (dTMS) and Traditional TMS (rTMS) available, patients often wonder which treatment is more effective.
At Resiliency Mind + Body Medicine in Newport Beach, Orange County, Dr. Stefani LaFrenierre specializes in Deep TMS therapy, an advanced form of TMS designed to penetrate deeper brain structures, offering improved outcomes for individuals with OCD.
Understanding TMS and How It Works for OCD
TMS is a non-invasive brain stimulation therapy that uses magnetic pulses to target areas of the brain involved in mood regulation and compulsive behaviors. Unlike electroconvulsive therapy (ECT), TMS does not require anesthesia and has minimal side effects.
For OCD, TMS targets the cortico-striato-thalamo-cortical (CSTC) circuit, a brain pathway linked to obsessive thoughts and compulsive actions. By stimulating the anterior cingulate cortex (ACC) and medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC), TMS helps reduce OCD symptoms and restore normal brain function.
Both Traditional TMS and Deep TMS can be used to treat OCD, but Deep TMS is FDA-cleared specifically for OCD treatment, while Traditional TMS is primarily approved for depression.
Deep TMS vs. Traditional TMS: Key Differences
What Is Traditional TMS?
Traditional TMS, also called repetitive TMS (rTMS), uses a figure-8 coil to deliver magnetic pulses to the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC).
- Primarily used for depression
- Magnetic pulses penetrate 1-2 cm into the brain
- Requires precise coil placement on the scalp
- Session length: 30-40 minutes
- Effectiveness for OCD is limited since it does not directly target deep brain structures
What Is Deep TMS?
Deep TMS, developed by BrainsWay, is an advanced TMS system that uses an H-coil system to reach deeper brain structures than Traditional TMS.
- FDA-approved for OCD and depression
- Magnetic pulses penetrate 4-5 cm into the brain
- Directly targets the anterior cingulate cortex (ACC) and medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC), which are responsible for OCD symptoms
- No need for precise coil placement, making treatment more efficient
- Session length: 20 minutes
- Higher success rates for OCD than Traditional TMS
Scientific Evidence Supporting Deep TMS for OCD
Multiple clinical studies have demonstrated the effectiveness of Deep TMS for OCD. A 2019 study published in The American Journal of Psychiatry found that:
- 38.1% of patients who received Deep TMS showed a significant reduction in OCD symptoms, compared to only 11.1% in the placebo group.
- Patients who responded to Deep TMS experienced sustained improvements in OCD symptoms for up to six months post-treatment.
- Deep TMS significantly improved Yale-Brown Obsessive-Compulsive Scale (Y-BOCS) scores, which measure OCD severity.
Which TMS Treatment Is Right for You?
If you are considering TMS for OCD in Orange County, the following comparison can help determine which treatment may be the better option:
| Feature | Traditional TMS | Deep TMS (BrainsWay) |
| FDA-Approved for OCD | No | Yes |
| Depth of Brain Stimulation | 1-2 cm | 4-5 cm |
| Primary Target Areas | DLPFC | ACC & mPFC (OCD-specific regions) |
| Treatment Time | 30-40 min | 20 min |
| Need for Precise Coil Placement | Yes | No |
| Effectiveness for OCD | Moderate | Higher success rate |
While both treatments can be effective for depression, Deep TMS has been clinically proven to deliver superior results for OCD.
How to Qualify for Deep TMS in Orange County
Not everyone is an immediate candidate for TMS therapy. Dr. Stefani LaFrenierre and her team follow a structured four-step process to determine whether Deep TMS is the right option for you.
1. Schedule a Consultation
Call the clinic or book an appointment online to schedule an initial Deep TMS evaluation.
2. Mental Health Assessment
During your consultation, Dr. LaFrenierre will:
- Review your OCD symptoms and medical history
- Discuss previous treatment attempts, including medications and therapy
- Determine if Deep TMS is the best course of action for your condition
3. Insurance Coverage Verification
Many insurance providers cover TMS therapy for treatment-resistant OCD and depression. The clinic can assist in verifying your insurance benefits.
4. Start Your Personalized Deep TMS Program
If you qualify, you will begin treatment at Resiliency Mind + Body Medicine in Newport Beach with:
- Five sessions per week for 4-6 weeks
- 20-minute sessions with no downtime
- Progress monitoring and adjustments to maximize effectiveness
Get the Best OCD Treatment with TMS in Orange County
For those struggling with treatment-resistant OCD, Deep TMS at Resiliency Mind + Body Medicine offers an effective, science-backed approach to reducing obsessive thoughts and compulsions. With higher success rates, shorter session times, and minimal side effects, Deep TMS has become one of the most promising treatments available today.
Take the Next Step Toward Recovery
If you have tried medications and therapy without success, Deep TMS could provide the relief you have been searching for. Contact Resiliency Mind + Body Medicine in Newport Beach today to see if you qualify for treatment.
- Call (949) 806-6901 to schedule your consultation
- Book an appointment online to take the first step toward lasting mental wellness
