TMS for Children and Adolescents: A Growing Frontier in Mental Health Care

Can Children Have TMS?

Yes—but with clinical caution, ethical oversight, and age-appropriate protocols. In the UK, Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) is not yet routinely offered to children under 14. However, Smart TMS provides treatment for:

• TMS for depression in adolescents aged 14+

• TMS for OCD in teenagers aged 16+

These thresholds are based on emerging safety data and international precedents. In the U.S., the FDA has approved TMS for adolescents aged 15 and older with treatment-resistant depression (Salehinejad & Siniatchkin, 2024). Clinical trials and real-world studies consistently show that TMS therapy for teens is well-tolerated, with side effects typically limited to mild headaches or scalp discomfort.

What Does the Latest UK Research Say?

In 2023, the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) launched a feasibility study exploring repetitive TMS (rTMS) in adolescents with depression (ages 14–18) who had not responded to antidepressants and psychological therapy (Jester-Broms et al., 2025).

This study is assessing:

• Clinical effectiveness and acceptability of TMS for young people

• NHS capacity to deliver TMS in CAMHS (Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services)

• Perspectives of adolescents, families, and clinicians

Early results from a 2025 pilot study published in BMC Psychiatry showed promising outcomes: teens receiving low-frequency rTMS for depression experienced significant reductions in symptoms, with minimal adverse effects.

Why Early Intervention Matters

Mental health conditions often begin in adolescence. According to the World Health Organisation, depression in teenagers is one of the leading causes of illness and disability among young people. Without early and effective intervention, it can negatively impact education, relationships, and long-term wellbeing.

TMS for teenagers provides a non-invasive, medication-free treatment for those who:

• Haven’t responded to traditional treatments

• Experience side effects from antidepressants

• Need a flexible treatment that fits their daily lives

Benefits of TMS for Younger People

• Non-invasive: No surgery, sedation, or hospitalisation required

• Minimal side effects: Mostly mild headaches or temporary scalp discomfort

• No systemic drug effects: Ideal for adolescents who are medication-sensitive

• Improves mood, motivation, and focus: Especially valuable for school-aged individuals

• Can complement therapy: Enhances outcomes when combined with CBT or family therapy

These benefits make TMS treatment for adolescents an attractive option for families seeking innovative mental health solutions.

Smart TMS: Our Approach to Treating Young People

At Smart TMS, we are committed to delivering safe, evidence-based, and personalised care. Our services include:

• TMS for depression in adolescents (starting at age 14)

• TMS for OCD in teenagers (starting at age 16)

• Thorough assessments to determine suitability

• Clinician-led protocols tailored to adolescent development

We work collaboratively with families and mental health professionals to ensure that TMS therapy for young people is part of a comprehensive care plan—not a standalone treatment.

What We Know vs. What We're Learning

What We Know (Established Evidence):

• TMS is FDA-approved for adolescent depression (age 15+) in the U.S. (Salehinejad & Siniatchkin, 2024)

• Clinical trials report TMS response rates in adolescents of 40–60%, with minimal risks

• Safety data in teens is comparable to adult treatment outcomes

What We're Learning (Emerging Research):

• The NIHR study on TMS for teens is a critical step toward integration into UK mental health services

• A 2024 review in Nature Neuropsychopharmacology explored accelerated TMS protocols for adolescents, showing positive early results

• The absence of NICE guidelines reflects the need for more UK-based clinical data

Conclusion: A Promising Path Forward

With youth mental health challenges on the rise, the need for innovative, effective, and well-tolerated treatments has never been more urgent.

TMS for children and teenagers offers a compelling option—especially for those who haven’t responded to medication or therapy. While research is ongoing, early evidence suggests that TMS for adolescents with depression or OCD is both safe and potentially transformative.

At Smart TMS, we are proud to lead in this emerging field, offering age-appropriate TMS therapy for depression and OCD in young people. TMS is not a one-size-fits-all treatment—but for many adolescents, it may be the breakthrough they’ve been hoping for.

References 

1. Jester-Broms, J., Strömbergsson, H., Persson, J. & Bodén, R., 2025. Low-frequency repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation for adolescent treatment resistant depression – a feasibility study. BMC Psychiatry, 25, Article 679. Available at: https://bmcpsychiatry.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s12888-025-07115-5 
2. Salehinejad, M.A. & Siniatchkin, M., 2024. Safety of noninvasive brain stimulation in children. Current Opinion in Psychiatry, 37(2), pp.78–86. Available at: https://psycnet.apa.org/record/2025-31857-005