When people first hear about Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS), a common question comes up — how long has TMS been around? Though it may sound like a recent innovation, TMS has a long and fascinating history rooted in decades of research into how the brain works.
In this article, we’ll explore the history of TMS, when it was approved, and how it evolved into one of today’s most effective treatment options for depression and other mental health conditions.
The Early Beginnings: From Magnetic Fields to Brain Science
The story of TMS starts in the 19th century with Michael Faraday, a scientist who discovered electromagnetic induction — the idea that magnetic fields can create electric currents. His discovery laid the foundation for what we now call transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS).
Faraday couldn’t have known that his work would one day help people with major depression or treatment-resistant depression, but his research into magnetic fields was the first spark. Over time, scientists began studying how electricity and magnetism could affect the motor cortex — the part of the brain responsible for movement.
The Birth of Modern TMS
Fast forward to 1985. British researcher Anthony Barker and his team developed the first modern TMS device at the University of Sheffield. Using magnetic fields to safely stimulate the areas of the brain linked to movement, they made an incredible discovery: magnetic pulses could influence brain activity without surgery or medication.
This marked a major leap forward in neuroscience and mental health treatment. Researchers soon began running clinical trials to test TMS in patients struggling with major depression, especially those who didn’t respond well to antidepressant medications.
When Was TMS FDA Approved?
If you’ve ever wondered when TMS was FDA approved, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) officially cleared TMS in 2008 for the treatment of treatment-resistant depression. This meant it was recognized as a safe and effective treatment option for patients who hadn’t improved with traditional therapies.
Over time, FDA approval expanded to include other conditions such as major depression and obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). These approvals helped increase access to approved TMS therapies and further validated years of scientific research.
Today, ongoing studies continue to explore how TMS affects different areas of the brain and how it may benefit people with anxiety, PTSD, and other mental health challenges.
The Evolution of TMS Devices and Therapies
Since its approval, TMS technology has continued to evolve. Early machines were large and limited, but modern TMS devices are more advanced, efficient, and comfortable for patients.
Today’s TMS treatment sessions are quick and noninvasive, typically lasting less than 20 minutes. Most patients experience minimal side effects, and many notice gradual improvements in mood and focus after several sessions.
Researchers are also exploring new stimulation patterns and coil designs that may target specific areas of the brain more precisely. These innovations have made TMS therapies more accessible and personalized than ever before.
The Future of TMS in Mental Health Care
So, how long has TMS been around? Technically, its roots stretch back nearly 200 years — but its modern form has been transforming lives since the 1980s.
From Michael Faraday’s experiments with magnetic fields to Anthony Barker’s groundbreaking work on the motor cortex and the FDA’s approval in 2008, the history of TMS is one of discovery, dedication, and hope.
As research continues, transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) remains a beacon of progress in mental health care — offering a path forward for those who haven’t found relief through medication alone.
At Scottsdale TMS, we’re proud to provide compassionate, evidence-based care using advanced approved TMS technology. Our mission is to help patients rediscover balance, hope, and lasting wellness through personalized TMS treatment.