Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS)
We provide evidence-based treatment, including TMS, a proven modality of care indicated for treatment-resistant depression and OCD. This treatment is also indicated for childbearing women where there may be medication-related concerns.
TMS is a safe, non-invasive treatment cleared by the FDA to help treat depression in patients who have not found relief with standard treatments. TMS works by using short, magnetic impulses to stimulate underactive nerve cells in brain regions known to regulate mood, helping to reset brain chemistry.
We use the NeuroStar TMS Therapy system, the FDA-cleared device for treating major depression, with proven durability of its effects over 12 months.
Average Symptom Improvement from TMS Treatment
TMS Chart Description
These charts show the average improvement of patients after completing TMS treatment at Animo Sano Psychiatry. The treatment consisted of 36 sessions and the improvement was measured by 3 rating scales: HAM-D, PHQ-9, GAD-7.
The Average Starting Point in these patients for each of these scales were:
- 27.8 (HAM-D)
- 16.3 (PHQ-9)
- 11.2 (GAD-7)
The Average Finishing Score were:
- 9.3 (HAM-D)
- 7.7 (PHQ-9)
- 5.2 (GAD-7)
The results show that TMS significantly reduced both depression and anxiety, moving patients from more severe symptoms to much milder ones, showcasing the benefits of TMS for improving mental health.
Scoring Details
HAM-D
- Scores 0-7: Normal
- Scores 8-16: Mild Depression
- Scores 17-23: Moderate Depression
- Scores 24 and above: Severe Depression
PHQ-9
- Scores 0-4: Minimal Depression
- Scores 5-9: Mild Depression
- Scores 10-14: Moderate Depression
- Scores 15-19: Moderately Severe Depression
- Scores 20-27: Severe Depression
GAD-7
- Scores 0-4: Minimal Anxiety
- Scores 5-9: Mild Anxiety
- Scores 10-14: Moderate Anxiety
- Scores 15 and above: Severe Anxiety
Is TMS therapy right for you?
Non-drug and FDA-cleared
Non-invasive with no drug-related side effects.
Covered by most insurance
We handle the paperwork.
Fits into your existing treatment
Can be stand-alone treatment or along with your existing medication.
Zero downtime
Drive yourself to and from treatments. Get back to your day right away, including work or school.
Frequently Asked Questions
TMS is a non-invasive treatment that uses magnetic fields to stimulate nerve cells in the brain. It’s primarily used to treat depression in patients who haven’t responded to traditional therapies.
TMS is generally considered a safe procedure. The most common side effects are mild and can include headache, scalp discomfort at the treatment site, and lightheadedness. However, it’s always important to discuss any potential risks or side effects with your healthcare provider.
The standard TMS protocol is 36 treatment sessions. Typically, patients undergo TMS treatment daily Monday-Friday for 6 weeks and then taper the last 6 treatments over the following 3 weeks.
Yes! If you have had benefit from TMS in the past you can generally do another round of TMS. We would proceed as if you were a new patient and get the insurance to cover the second or third round of treatment
2741 Campus Walk Ave Bldg 400, Unit 200 Durham, NC 27705
TMS works by delivering repetitive magnetic pulses to specific areas of the brain that are known to be underactive in depression. These magnetic pulses stimulate nerve cells, which can lead to a reduction in depression symptoms over time and increase mood regulation.
MDD since 2013, Anxious-Depression since 2021, OCD since 2018, smoking cessation since 2020 (we are not able to treat smoking cessation at ASP). Recently approved as first line depression treatment for ages 15-17 year olds.
A typical TMS session lasts about 30 to 60 minutes. The exact duration might vary depending on the specific treatment protocol recommended by your healthcare provider.
Most patients continue their antidepressant medications during TMS treatment, while others might reduce or stop their medication under the guidance of their healthcare provider. It’s essential to work closely with your medication provider and TMS doctor to determine the best treatment plan for you.
You will feel a tapping sensation on the left side of your head that should not be painful. After a few sessions the sensation becomes very tolerable.
We use the NeuroStar TMS Therapy system. The NeuroStar TMS Therapy system is the first TMS device to be cleared by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for the treatment of major depression.
The NeuroStar TMS Therapy system is also the first TMS device to have been evaluated in a large, multicenter, controlled clinical trial, as well as the only TMS system with the durability of its effects over 12 months established.
Don’t see your question here?
Please reach out to group@animosanopsychiatry.com or 919-391-7202
Meet Dr. Caleb Whitenack
Dr. Whitenack received his Doctor of Medicine degree from the University of Texas Medical School at Houston. After medical school, he completed his adult psychiatry residency at the University of North Carolina in Chapel Hill, NC. During the last year of training, he was appointed Chief Resident over the large residency program. Dr. Whitenack specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of women’s mental health issues, ADD/ADHD, panic attacks, social anxiety, generalized anxiety, depression and bipolar disorder. He utilizes TMS treatment for depression. When not working, Caleb, originally from Denver, CO, enjoys the mountains, snowboarding, good food, homebrewing beer and traveling with his family.
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The mission of the clinic is to be the best-in-class solution for high-quality and accessible behavioral healthcare.
