A significant advancement in psychotropic treatments is NeuroStar TMS receiving FDA approval for adolescents ages 15 and up. This makes it the first and only TMS (transcranial magnetic stimulation) therapy cleared as an adjunct treatment for adolescents. TMS was FDA-approved for adults in 2008 and for adolescents in 2024.
What Is NeuroStar TMS?
NeuroStar TMS is a non-invasive therapy using targeted magnetic pulses to stimulate brain areas linked to depression. It’s typically used for treatment-resistant depression when medications and therapy alone aren’t enough.
In March 2024, Neuronetics—the company behind NeuroStar TMS—announced FDA clearance for use in adolescents aged 15 to 21 as an adjunct treatment for major depressive disorder. This approval expands access to a treatment previously available only to adults.
Why This Matters for Mental Health Providers
Since the COVID-19 pandemic, adolescent depression and anxiety rates have increased. While medications can be helpful, they’re not always the first, or only, solution. Non-pharmacologic options like TMS offer promising alternatives, especially in treatment-resistant cases.
As a psych NP, I’ve referred a few patients with treatment-resistant depression for TMS, and many have shown improvement. Although the percentage of patients receiving TMS is still small, its expanded approval is encouraging.
Long-term outcomes in adolescents remain important to monitor, but the availability of FDA-cleared treatments like NeuroStar TMS broadens the tools we have as providers.
Is TMS Part of Your Practice?
What has been your experience with TMS? How often do you refer adolescent or adult patients for TMS as an adjunct to other treatments? Do you have any concerns or success stories?
Leave a comment—I’d love to hear how other providers are using this therapy in their own practices.
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Further Learning
For more on resources to support your practice, check out this blog post for resources to add to your professional toolkit.
Clinical Source
To learn more about this FDA clearance, read the official press release from Neuronetics.