Who is suitable for the treatment?

What is rTMS treatment?

Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (rTMS) is a well-documented, non-invasive treatment method used for depression and other mental health conditions. The treatment influences brain activity through mild magnetic impulses that stimulate areas of the brain playing a central role in the regulation of mood and emotional balance.

rTMS is performed without anaesthesia, and the patient remains awake throughout the treatment. Compared with medication-based treatment, the method has very few side effects for most people, and the majority of patients experience a noticeable improvement in symptoms already halfway through the treatment course.

How does the treatment take place?

During an rTMS session, a magnetic coil is placed lightly against the scalp. The coil emits brief magnetic fields that stimulate specific areas of the brain. A typical treatment course consists of 30 sessions lasting 15–30 minutes each. Treatment is usually distributed over six weeks, with sessions five days per week.

The treatment is painless for the vast majority of patients and requires no recovery time. You can therefore continue your daily activities immediately after the session.

Effect and evidence

According to the Danish Psychiatric Society’s clinical guideline (2025), rTMS is an effective and safe treatment for depression, particularly for patients who have not achieved sufficient benefit from antidepressant medication.

International and Danish studies document that rTMS can provide significant symptom relief and, in many cases, lead to remission (absence of depressive symptoms).

The treatment is increasingly recommended as a gentle alternative or supplement to medication and electroconvulsive therapy (ECT).

Benefits of rTMS

  • Non-invasive and without anaesthesia

  • Very few and mild side effects

  • Can be combined with other treatments

  • Documented effectiveness in depression

  • Preserves cognitive function and memory

 

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