TMS treatment for Post-Stroke Depression

Post-stroke depression (PSD) affects around 33% of stroke survivors. Unlike typical depressive illness, PSD is not simply an emotional reaction to disability.

A stroke can directly disrupt the brain networks that regulate mood, motivation, and cognitive function. Damage or reduced activity within the mood-regulating circuits — particularly the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC) — can lead to:

• Low mood and hopelessness
• Loss of drive and motivation
• Cognitive slowing
• Emotional withdrawal
• Difficulty engaging in rehabilitation
  
  

Traditional treatments, such as antidepressant medication or talking therapies, can help, but many stroke survivors do not achieve full relief — often due to medication side effects, complex prescriptions, or incomplete response.

This is where TMS therapy offers a promising, non-drug alternative.

Post-stroke depression is a common, medical condition that can significantly affect emotional wellbeing and physical rehabilitation.

Symptoms may include:

• Persistent sadness or hopelessness
• Loss of pleasure or interest
• Reduced motivation and energy
• Anxiety or irritability
• Changes in appetite
• Sleep problems
• Difficulty concentrating
• Low self-esteem
• Suicidal thoughts in severe cases
  
  

PSD can appear weeks, months, or even years after the stroke — but it is treatable, and recovery is possible.

Standard treatment often includes:

• Antidepressant medication
• Talking therapies, such as CBT
• Lifestyle and rehabilitation strategies
• In severe cases, Electroconvulsive Therapy (ECT)
  
  

While these treatments can be helpful, many stroke survivors struggle with:

• Insufficient symptom relief
• Side effects from medications
• Difficulty managing multiple prescriptions
• Limited access to psychological therapy
  
  

TMS offers a non-invasive, well-tolerated treatment option that directly targets the brain circuits affected by stroke.

TMS uses repeated magnetic pulses to stimulate the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC) — an area crucial for:

• Emotional processing
• Motivation
• Social engagement
• Cognitive function
  
  

After a stroke, this region may become underactive or disrupted.

TMS helps by:

• Re-activating and balancing mood circuits
• Increasing neurotransmitters (serotonin, dopamine, norepinephrine)
• Improving cerebral blood flow
• Boosting BDNF (a key molecule for neural repair)
• Supporting the rebuilding of damaged pathways
  
  

Unlike medication, which affects the whole body, TMS targets the affected brain networks directly, helping the brain recover function.

A typical course involves 30 sessions over 3–6 weeks, with each session lasting around 30 minutes.

For patients with depression, Smart TMS use the most up-to-date techniques based on the latest scientific research. In our most recent data audit of the patients we treated for major depression:

• 49% went into remission.
• 56% had a 33% reduction in the severity of their symptoms.

Extensive research has shown Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation to be a safe and effective way to tackle depression.

Assessment price

After completing your online questionnaires and confirming that TMS is right for you, you'll have a video chat with one of our expert clinicians. This session is an opportunity for you to discuss your condition in detail, ask any questions you may have, and receive personalised advice on how TMS treatment can benefit you.

The cost of this assessment is £350.

Depression and anxiety treatment prices

At Smart TMS, we recognise that a large percentage of our patients suffer from depression and anxiety alongside one another. For this reason, we treat these two conditions together within the same session.

TMS treatment for depression and anxiety is split into two courses. After 15 sessions, the results of the treatment are very apparent for most patients.

Dr Neal and his team understand the need to help our patients stay well beyond the end of their TMS treatment. Using research and our own experience, we have designed aftercare packages to provide ongoing care with a planned programme of regular top-up treatments.

Have you had TMS treatment for depression at another clinic? Smart TMS can offer you maintenance therapy, too.