While medications and psychotherapy are pillars of psychiatric care, they are being joined by modern neuromodulation therapies. These treatments use electrical, magnetic, or other kinds of energy to stimulate brain tissue. An important 21st century neuromodulation technique is transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS). TMS uses strong, focal magnetic pulses to stimulate specific brain networks, to induce neuroplastic changes that lead to symptom relief, relying on the neuroscience principle that "neurons that fire together, wire together." As a targeted brain treatment, it does not have the systemic side effects of medication, and most patients' response is durable. The FDA has permitted its use for over a decade, yet it remains relatively underutilized. This webinar will review the mechanism of action of TMS, principles of administration, the evidence of efficacy and safety, how to select patients for TMS, and areas where research may soon lead to new and expanded clinical uses.
Recorded webinar, non-interactive, self-paced distance learning activity with post-test.
This presentation was recorded on October 10, 2019.
Describe what is meant by transcranial magnetic stimulation as a medical treatment for depression and other conditions.
Identify individuals who have a condition for which TMS is an evidence-based practice.
Educate patients and colleagues about the differences between TMS and other kinds of treatments that use electric or magnetic energy.
Psychiatrist, Physician (non-psychiatrist)
Introductory; Intermediate
Estimated Time to Complete
Estimated Duration: 1.0 hours
Program Start Date: July 30, 2025
Program End Date: July 30, 2028
Ongoing Interdisciplinary Discussion Board
After completing the course, engage with colleagues in the mental health field through the Webinar Roundtable Topics discussion board. This is an easy way to network and share ideas with other clinicians who participate in this webinar. Access through the discussion tab.
After evaluating the activity, participants will be provided with an opportunity evaluate the activity and, claim hours of participation and print an official CME certificate (physicians) or certificate of participation (non-physicians) showing the event date and hours earned.
Continuing Education Credit
In support of improving patient care, American Psychiatric Association (APA) is jointly accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME), the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education (ACPE), and the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC), to provide continuing education for the healthcare team.
The APA designates this live event for a maximum of 1.00 AMA PRA Category 1 Credits™. Physicians should claim only the credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity.
Faculty and Planner Disclosures
The American Psychiatric Association adheres to the ACCME's Standards for Integrity and Independence in Accredited Medical Education. Any individuals in a position to control the content of a CME activity - including faculty, planners, reviewers, or others - are required to disclose all relevant financial relationships with ineligible entities (commercial interests). All relevant conflicts of interest have been mitigated prior to the commencement of the activity.
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Ian A. Cook, MD, Los Angeles TMS Institute, Inc. Disclosure: Stock and Employee - HeartCloud Inc., BrainCloud Corporation, NeuroSigma Inc.; Grant/Research - NIH.
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Teri Brister, PhD, LPC, National Alliance on Mental Illness. Reports no financial relationships with commercial interests.
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Teri Brister, PhD, LPC, National Alliance on Mental Illness. Dr. Brister has no relevant
financial relationships to disclose. (Reviewed on 10/23/22)
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