FDA Approves TMS Therapy to Treat OCD

The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS Therapy) for adjunct treatment in adult patients with obsessive-compulsive disorder.

TMS had previously been granted approval to MagVenture for the treatment of major depressive disorder in patients who failed to experience adequate improvement from use of antidepressant medication. The company was the first to receive FDA clearance for the 3-minute Express TMS—the shortest TMS treatment now available.

Now, the out-patient procedure can be used as adjunctive to other OCD treatments that might involve pharmaceutical and behavioral therapy. Using magnetic pulses to stimulate specific areas in the brain, TMS targets its networks and deeper-lying structures that are known to be particularly affected by OCD.

The therapy was not associated with any systemic side effects.

OCD, a mental disorder characterized by obsessions and compulsions, can cause severe disruptions in one’s daily life and routines and can lead to further distress and functional impairment. Although there are currently several pharmaceutical and psychological intervention options that are available for these patients, some experience limited improvement and mitigation of symptoms. Thus, the need for greater therapeutic options becomes increasingly necessary.

“We have worked closely with brain researchers for well over 25 years, providing numerous TMS solutions to help advance the field of neuroscience – both basic and applied,” said Kerry Rome, VP of Sales for MagVenture, in a statement. “Expanding the treatment options to include other indications than major depressive disorder, such as OCD, is one more important step towards helping more adult patients improve their mental health”