Understanding the Problem: Postoperative Delirium

Postoperative delirium (POD) is a common and serious complication, particularly in adults over the age of 60. It can present as confusion, disorientation, or sudden cognitive decline following surgery—and is associated with longer hospital stays, increased healthcare costs, and even higher mortality rates.

Despite its prevalence, effective prevention strategies have remained limited.

The Study: Can TMS Help?

In this 2026 double-blind randomized controlled trial, researchers evaluated whether repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) could reduce the incidence of postoperative delirium.

The study included 254 patients aged 60 and older who were undergoing elective, non-cardiac surgery. Participants were randomly assigned to receive either:

• Active rTMS treatment before surgery
• A sham (placebo) stimulation

Key Findings

The results were promising:

• Patients who received active rTMS experienced lower rates of postoperative delirium
• Cognitive outcomes improved compared to the control group
• The intervention was safe and well-tolerated

These findings suggest that rTMS may play a role not only in treating psychiatric conditions, but also in preventing acute cognitive complications in medical settings.

Why This Matters

TMS is already FDA-cleared for conditions like depression, OCD, and smoking cessation. This study adds to a growing body of evidence that its benefits may extend far beyond traditional psychiatric applications.

If further research confirms these findings, TMS could become part of a preventative neurological strategy—helping patients maintain cognitive stability during high-risk events like surgery.

A Broader View of Brain Health

At its core, this study reinforces a larger shift in medicine:

We are moving from treating symptoms to proactively protecting brain function.

TMS sits at the intersection of psychiatry, neurology, and preventative care—making it one of the most exciting tools in modern mental health.

Final Thoughts

While more research is needed, this study highlights a powerful idea:

The brain can be supported, strengthened, and protected—before problems arise.

And that opens the door to an entirely new way of thinking about mental health care.

What the Research Shows

Emerging research, including a recent study published in The Primary Care Companion for CNS Disorders, explores the use of transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) in children and adolescents with autism. Findings suggest that this form of noninvasive brain stimulation may help improve core symptoms such as social functioning, behavioral regulation, and cognitive flexibility.

While more large-scale studies are needed, the current evidence is promising—and aligns with broader research into neuromodulation approaches like Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS).

What This Means for Patients and Families

We understand that families navigating autism care are often faced with limited options, long waitlists, and high costs. Our goal is simple:

Provide access to innovative care without adding financial burden.

Although the use of TMS for autism is considered off-label (meaning it is not yet FDA-approved specifically for this condition), off-label use is common in medicine when supported by emerging evidence and clinical experience.

Our Approach

• Experience you can trust: We have performed over 25,000 treatments across a range of conditions
• Proven outcomes: Over 95% of our patients have met their clinical treatment goals
• Patient-centered care: Our focus is helping individuals return to living full, meaningful lives

Transparent and Accessible Pricing

Because off-label treatments are not covered by insurance, cost is often a major barrier. Unfortunately, some providers charge upwards of $800 per treatment, placing care out of reach for many families.

We believe that’s not acceptable.

Our out-of-pocket cost for treatment is approximately one-quarter of typical market rates, making this option significantly more accessible without compromising quality of care.

We are not here to create more stress or financial strain. We are here to provide solutions.

A Thoughtful, Individualized Process

Not every patient is a candidate for TMS or other neuromodulation treatments. That’s why we take a careful, individualized approach to evaluation, ensuring that every recommendation is clinically appropriate and aligned with each patient’s unique needs.

Moving Forward

As research continues to evolve, so does our commitment to offering safe, innovative, and compassionate care. If you’re exploring options for autism treatment, we’re here to help guide you through what’s available—and what might be possible.

Because care should open doors—not close them. 

1. Mechanism of Action:

TMS works by delivering magnetic pulses to specific areas of the brain, influencing neural activity and potentially modulating brain circuits involved in ADHD symptoms, such as attention regulation and impulse control.

2. Research Findings:

Symptom Improvement: Several studies have reported positive outcomes in reducing ADHD symptoms with TMS. For instance, research published in the journal European Child & Adolescent Psychiatry and Neurology and Therapy has shown improvements in attention, impulsivity, and hyperactivity following TMS treatment.

Executive Functioning: TMS has also been investigated for its effects on executive functioning, which includes abilities such as planning, organizing, and problem-solving. Preliminary findings suggest potential benefits in enhancing these cognitive functions in individuals with ADHD.

3. Safety and Feasibility:

TMS is generally considered safe when administered by trained professionals. Common side effects may include mild discomfort at the site of stimulation or headaches, but serious adverse effects are rare.

The safety profile of TMS in children and adolescents with ADHD is an area of ongoing research, with protocols tailored to minimize risks and ensure appropriateness for younger populations.

4. Challenges and Considerations:

Research in TMS for ADHD is still relatively early-stage, and there is variability in study designs, stimulation parameters, and participant characteristics across studies.

Optimal protocols for TMS in ADHD treatment, including frequency, intensity, and duration of sessions, are still being refined through ongoing research.

5. Future Directions:

Further research is needed to establish the long-term efficacy, durability of effects, and potential mechanisms of action of TMS in ADHD treatment.

Large-scale clinical trials with rigorous methodologies are essential to confirm the effectiveness and safety of TMS as a viable treatment option for ADHD, particularly in comparison to standard treatments.

6. Conclusion:

While promising, TMS for ADHD remains an area of active investigation and is not yet widely adopted as a standard treatment. Individuals considering TMS for ADHD should consult with an interventional psychiatrist to thoroughly review the potential benefits, risks, and suitability for treatment.

In summary, early research suggests that TMS may offer a promising alternative or adjunctive treatment for ADHD, particularly in cases where traditional therapies have been inadequate. However, more robust evidence is needed to establish its role in clinical practice and refine treatment protocols for optimal outcomes.

1. Mechanism of Action:

TMS involves delivering magnetic pulses to specific areas of the brain, namely an area called the Left Dorsolateral Prefrontal Cortex, which is the area associated with lower activity in those with chronic depression on functional MRI studies.

In the context of dementia, TMS is theorized to modulate neuronal activity and potentially enhance cognitive function by promoting neuroplasticity and influencing brain networks affected by the disease.

2. Research Findings:

Cognitive Function: Some studies have shown promising results in improving cognitive function, including memory, attention, and executive functions, in individuals with mild to moderate Alzheimer’s disease. For instance, a 2021 systematic review and meta-analysis published in the journal Brain Stimulation concluded that repetitive TMS may have beneficial effects on cognitive outcomes in patients with AD.

Neuropsychiatric Symptoms: TMS has also been studied for its potential to alleviate neuropsychiatric symptoms associated with dementia, such as depression and agitation. Research suggests that TMS may help improve mood and reduce behavioral disturbances in some patients.

3. Safety and Feasibility:

TMS is generally considered safe when performed by interventional psychiatrists.  Common side effects include mild discomfort at the site of stimulation and headaches, but serious adverse effects are rare.

Safety considerations are particularly important in older adults and individuals with neurodegenerative conditions, and protocols are adapted accordingly to minimize risks.

4. Challenges and Considerations:

Despite promising findings, challenges remain in establishing standardized protocols, optimal stimulation parameters, and determining the long-term effects of TMS in dementia treatment.

Variability in individual responses and the heterogeneity of dementia syndromes complicate the interpretation of study outcomes and the generalizability of findings.

5. Future Directions:

Continued research is crucial to further elucidate the potential benefits of TMS in dementia treatment, identify optimal patient selection criteria, refine stimulation protocols, and explore combination therapies with other interventions.

Large-scale clinical trials with rigorous methodologies are needed to confirm the efficacy and safety of TMS in diverse populations of individuals with dementia.

6. Conclusion:

While research into TMS for dementia is promising, it is currently considered an experimental treatment and not yet a standard therapeutic approach. Individuals and caregivers interested in TMS should consult with healthcare providers experienced in dementia care and neuromodulation therapies to discuss potential benefits, risks, and suitability for treatment.

In summary, while TMS shows potential as a non-invasive treatment option for enhancing cognitive function and addressing neuropsychiatric symptoms in dementia, more research is needed to establish its efficacy, safety, and long-term effects in clinical practice.

1. Mechanism and Potential Benefits:

TMS works by delivering magnetic pulses to specific areas of the brain, aiming to modulate neural activity. In the context of ASD, it is hypothesized that TMS may help regulate neural circuits that contribute to social communication deficits and repetitive behaviors.

2. Studies and Findings:

Social Skills and Communication: Some studies have suggested that TMS might improve social skills and communication abilities in individuals with ASD. For example, a 2020 study published in the Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders indicated that TMS targeting the dorsomedial prefrontal cortex improved facial emotion recognition and social interaction skills in adolescents with ASD.

Repetitive Behaviors: There is also interest in whether TMS can reduce repetitive behaviors commonly seen in ASD. Research in this area is ongoing, with some studies exploring different stimulation protocols and brain targets.

3. Safety and Feasibility:

TMS is generally considered safe when administered by interventional psychiatrists. Common side effects may include mild discomfort or headache, but serious adverse effects are rare.

However, the use of TMS in children and adolescents requires careful consideration due to developmental factors and the need for further research to establish safety and efficacy in younger populations.

4. Challenges and Future Directions:

Research in TMS for ASD faces several challenges, including variability in individual responses, optimal stimulation parameters, and the need for larger, well-controlled studies.

Future research is needed to better understand which subgroups of individuals with ASD might benefit most from TMS, the long-term effects of treatment, and how TMS can be integrated with other therapies for comprehensive care.

5. Conclusion:

While early research shows promise, TMS for ASD remains an area of ongoing investigation. It is not yet a standard treatment for autism, and its use should be considered experimental outside of research settings. Each patient should be evaluated by an interventional psychiatrist to assess the particular goals of treatment, the potential to reach those goals, and the risks of treatment.

Overall, while TMS holds potential as a therapeutic tool for addressing certain aspects of autism spectrum disorder, further research is needed to establish its efficacy, safety, and optimal application in clinical practice.

Deep Transmagnetic Stimulation (dTMS) represents a cutting-edge advancement in the field of neuromodulation. Building upon the principles of Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS), dTMS targets deeper brain structures with precision, offering new hope for individuals with treatment-resistant mental health conditions.

How Does dTMS Differ From Traditional TMS?

While traditional TMS primarily targets surface areas of the brain, dTMS utilizes specialized coils and technology to reach deeper structures. By precisely targeting these areas, dTMS aims to modulate neural circuits implicated in various mental health disorders more effectively.

Conditions Treated With dTMS

dTMS is FDA-approved for the following disorders:

• Major Depressive Disorder (MDD)
• Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)
• Anxious Depression
• Smoking-cessation

AND THE BRAINSWAY SYSTEM IS THE ONLY ONE WITH AN FDA INDICATION FOR TREATING DEPRESSION IN PEOPLE OVER 65 YO.

Treatment Process and Experience

• Sessions: Similar to traditional TMS, dTMS involves multiple sessions scheduled over several weeks. The protocols for each diagnosis are based on the FDA trials and range from 29-34 treatments, each lasting close to 19 min.
• Procedure: During a session, the patient sits comfortably while a specialized dTMS coil is positioned over the head. The treatment is non-invasive, and patients typically experience minimal discomfort.
• Safety and Side Effects: dTMS is considered safe, with side effects generally mild and transient. These may include headache, scalp discomfort, or mild irritation at the stimulation site.

Effectiveness and Benefits

Studies suggest that dTMS can offer significant benefits for individuals who have not responded adequately to other treatments. Benefits may include:

• Improved Mood: Reduction in depressive symptoms and enhanced overall emotional well-being.
• Enhanced Functioning: Better ability to engage in daily activities and social interactions.
• Long-term Relief: sustained improvement in symptoms over time.

References:

• National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH)
• U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA)
• Clinical studies and research in neuromodulation

While ketamine is most often prescribed to treat the symptoms of depression, more research is being conducted to find its further treatment capabilities. In particular, some studies are focused on determining whether ketamine could help individuals with eating disorders.

Understanding the Link Between Depression and Eating Disorders

Eating disorders, such as anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, and binge-eating disorder, are serious conditions that negatively impact one’s physical health, emotional well-being, and, often, the capability to function in key areas of life. Although symptoms and causes vary, the severity of any condition makes it essential to treat.

As with other forms of mental illness, the exact cause of an eating disorder is unknown. Possible causes include:

• Your genetic and biological makeup. Certain genes may increase the risk of an individual developing an eating disorder. Biological factors may also contribute to eating disorders, such as changes in brain chemicals.
• Your psychological and emotional health. Low self-esteem, impulsive behavior, perfectionism, troubled relationships, and other issues may contribute to the development of or worsen an eating disorder.

In addition to these potential causes, some factors could increase an individual’s risk of developing an eating disorder. These include:

• A family history of eating disorders. If a parent, sibling, or other close relative has had an eating disorder, it could increase an individual’s likelihood of developing one.
• Already having a mental health disorder. Individuals who develop an eating disorder often have a history of depression, anxiety disorder, or obsessive-compulsive disorder.
• A history of dieting or starvation. These can affect the brain, causing mood changes, anxiety, rigidity in thinking, and reduced appetite. These make it difficult to return to normal eating habits.
• High levels of stress. Significant life events, such as moving, starting a new job, or relationship problems, can increase your risk of developing an eating disorder.

Depression is a frequent co-occurrence with eating disorders; as such, treating this mental illness may potentially help with the eating disorder recovery process. Before incorporating a Pasadena depression treatment into your mental healthcare plan, it is best to discuss it with your physician or mental healthcare professional.

Depression Treatments that May Help with Eating Disorders

What to Know About Ketamine Pasadena

While the exact effects that ketamine treatments can have for individuals with an eating disorder are still being determined, the FDA has approved this intranasal esketamine treatment to help individuals manage the symptoms of major depressive disorder and treatment-resistant depression. As such, when ketamine is used to treat depression, it could potentially help with a co-occurring eating disorder.

What to Know About SoCal TMS

Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation, or TMS, is another interventional modality known to safely and effectively reduce the symptoms of depression. Because SoCal TMS treatments help individuals manage their depression, it can provide further assistance if this mental health condition co-occurs with an eating disorder.

BrainsWay dTMS is an FDA-cleared advancement on standard rTMS treatments. This procedure reaches the deep areas of the brain, allowing it to effectively ease symptoms of treatment-resistant depression, anxious depression, and obsessive-compulsive disorder. Based on your specific mental health condition and any other disorders you experience, your doctor may determine that BrainsWay dTMS procedures are an ideal option for your needs.

Pasadena Depression Treatment Center

Before you include any new treatment in your mental healthcare plan, it is best to seek advice from your doctor and any other treatment team members. Medical professionals can collaborate with you to determine your ideal treatment plan.

As a clinic, Pasadena Neuropsychiatry specializes in interventional treatment modalities that provide relief when other options fail, including BrainsWay dTMS procedures. Please browse our website or contact us to learn more about the many capabilities of SoCal TMS treatments.

What Is SoCal TMS?

TMS, or Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation, has been a mental health treatment for over a decade, and the technology has developed over the years. TMS sends magnetic pulses to the brain, where they stimulate neural activity. We use BrainsWay’s dTMS, Deep Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation, which can reach deeper structures with greater accuracy than traditional rTMS machines. Brainsway dTMS has been FDA approved for the following conditions:

• Major Depressive Disorder (MDD)
• Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)
• Treatment-Resistant Depression (TRD)
• Anxious Depression
• Smoking Cessation

If you or someone you love has not been able to find relief with medication alone, it may be time to consider interventional treatments such as TMS or Spravato treatment in Pasadena.

Southern California TMS Center Benefits

Countless individuals seek help for their mental health with little to no success. Fortunately, studies show that dTMS is highly effective for people who do not find success with traditional treatment methods. Here are a few statistics you should consider.

• Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) are only effective for roughly 28 percent of patients.
• It can take four to eight months to discover whether or not SSRIs are an effective treatment for an individual.
• People who received treatment with BrainsWay D™ and medication in the STAR*D Study saw a 60 percent remission rate in depression symptoms.
• People who only received medication in the STAR*D Study saw an 11 percent remission rate in depression symptoms.
• People who received rTMS and medication in the STAR*D Study saw a 44 percent remission rate in depression symptoms.
• BrainsWay D™ is the only machine that is cleared by the FDA to treat patients with OCD.

The information that we have about the benefits of TMS continues to grow along with the treatment protocols.

For example, the BrainsWay D™ Theta Burst shows great promise for people struggling with Addiction and PTSD. Additionally, the SAINT Protocol is proving to be highly effective for individuals with suicidal ideation. One study at Stanford demonstrated an 80 percent success rate.

Choosing a SoCal TMS Provider

If you are considering interventional treatments such as TMS, make sure that your physician is board certified and adheres to APA+ADA guidelines. You also want to work with someone who keeps up with the latest research and technology and listens to your concerns. At Pasadena Neuropsychiatry, we believe in empowering patients to make informed medical decisions.

If you have any questions about TMS or other interventional treatments we provide, such as Spravato treatment in Pasadena, please do not hesitate to reach out. Our team will help you determine which treatment option will work best for your needs and develop a plan that considers your medical history, lab work, comfort levels, and more. We go above and beyond for each patient to ensure that they find long-term relief.

Due to advancements in the field of TMS Pasadena, there are various available types that can help treat your symptoms of mental illness. Your mental healthcare provider may recommend rTMS or dTMS; as such, you may wonder which is more effective.

Understanding the Types of TMS Pasadena

Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) procedures involve a device that stimulates specific areas of the brain to regulate the neural activity of those structures and alleviate the symptoms of various mental illnesses. The primary difference between rTMS and dTMS Pasadena comes with the devices used, the depths they can reach, and the mental illnesses that the procedures effectively treat.

What is rTMS?

Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (rTMS) is the standard version of TMS. The FDA approved these procedures for public availability in 2008 as a treatment for major depressive disorder. During this noninvasive procedure, a figure-8-shaped device is used to send out electromagnetic pulses. These pulses help regulate the neural activity within the parts of the brain that are associated with depression.

While rTMS is clinically proven as a safe and effective treatment modality, it can face certain limitations. Because the coil on the handheld device has a relatively narrow scope, it can only regulate the activity of one focal brain structure at a time; this can potentially cause targeting issues during the treatment. Furthermore, these procedures are not always capable of directly stimulating the brain’s deeper structures.

What is dTMS Pasadena?

Deep Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (dTMS) was created as an advancement of the standard rTMS. At Pasadena Neuropsychiatry, we utilize BrainsWay dTMS, a noninvasive treatment that has managed to address the concerns raised by its predecessor because it is capable of safely and effectively reaching the deeper structures of the brain. This is because the procedures involve the use of a magnetic field to regulate neural activity.

While rTMS procedures are approved as a treatment for depression, dTMS can effectively alleviate the symptoms of additional forms of mental illness. The FDA has cleared BrainsWay TMS treatments to help individuals with Treatment-Resistant Depression, Anxious Depression, and Obsessive Compulsive Disorder. The procedures can also assist with smoking cessation.

TMS Solutions in Pasadena

Because of its advantages and the fact that it can address the symptoms of more mental illnesses, dTMS can be seen as the better option when looking for healthcare solutions. However, with either procedure, you will have effective results when you meet with the right team of professionals.

At Pasadena Neuropsychiatry, our team is here to help you find relief when other treatments have not been fully effective. Our evidence-based interventional treatment modalities are proven effective, fully noninvasive, and approved by the FDA. If you are interested in incorporating TMS into your mental healthcare plan, please contact us. We will coordinate with you and your other physicians to create your ideal plan.