People living with both post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and major depressive disorder (MDD) often face a more complex recovery journey. These conditions commonly occur together, making symptoms more complex, increasing the risk of suicide, and reducing the effectiveness of traditional treatments such as medication and psychotherapy alone.
A new large-scale study has provided encouraging evidence that Deep TMS™ (Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation) may offer significant relief for patients experiencing both PTSD and depression.
New Research Highlights the Effectiveness of Deep TMS for PTSD and Depression
A retrospective study involving 462 patients across 11 treatment centers evaluated the effectiveness of Deep TMS using the H1 and H7 coils in individuals diagnosed with both PTSD and major depressive disorder.
Researchers compared patients’ symptoms before treatment and after completing at least 20 Deep TMS sessions, using two widely accepted clinical assessment tools:
- PCL-5 (PTSD Checklist for DSM-5) to measure PTSD symptoms
- PHQ-9 (Patient Health Questionnaire-9) to measure depression severity
The results demonstrated meaningful improvements across both conditions.
Study Results
Significant Improvement in PTSD Symptoms
The study found:
- 83.5% of patients responded to treatment
- An average 52% reduction in PTSD symptom severity (PCL-5 scores)
These findings suggest that Deep TMS may substantially reduce symptoms such as:
- Intrusive memories
- Flashbacks
- Hypervigilance
- Anxiety
- Emotional distress
- Avoidance behaviors
Strong Outcomes for Depression
Depression symptoms also improved significantly following treatment:
- 66.6% achieved a clinical response
- 27.3% reached remission
- Average 50% reduction in PHQ-9 depression scores
For many patients, improvements included better mood, increased motivation, improved sleep, greater enjoyment of daily life, and enhanced overall functioning.
Why Treating PTSD and Depression Together Matters
Research consistently shows that PTSD and depression frequently occur together.
Large epidemiological studies estimate that approximately 48% of individuals diagnosed with PTSD will also experience major depressive disorder during their lifetime.
When these conditions coexist, patients often experience:
- More severe symptoms
- Increased functional impairment
- Higher rates of suicidal thoughts and behaviors
- Greater difficulty responding to conventional treatments
- Reduced quality of life
Because these disorders influence one another, finding treatments that address both conditions simultaneously is an important advancement in psychiatric care.
What is Deep TMS?
Deep Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (Deep TMS) is an FDA-cleared, non-invasive treatment that uses targeted magnetic pulses to stimulate brain regions involved in mood regulation and emotional processing.
Unlike some treatments and medications, Deep TMS:
- Does not require anesthesia
- Is completely non-invasive
- Allows patients to drive themselves to and from treatment
- Has minimal systemic side effects
- Can be used alongside therapy and medication
Treatment sessions typically last around 20 minutes, with patients remaining awake throughout the procedure.
What These Findings Mean for Patients
This study represents one of the largest real-world analyses of Deep TMS for patients with both PTSD and depression to date.
While every patient’s experience is different, the findings suggest that Deep TMS may provide meaningful symptom relief even for individuals living with complex, co-occurring mental health conditions.
For people who have not achieved adequate improvement with antidepressants, trauma-focused therapy, or other traditional treatments, Deep TMS may offer another evidence-based treatment option worth discussing with a qualified mental health provider.
Is Deep TMS Right for PTSD or Depression?
Deep TMS may be appropriate for adults experiencing:
- Treatment-resistant depression
- Major depressive disorder
- PTSD
- Depression occurring alongside PTSD
- Ongoing symptoms despite medication or therapy
A comprehensive evaluation with a qualified provider can determine whether Deep TMS is an appropriate part of your personalized treatment plan.
Learn More About Deep TMS at Mindful TMS
At Mindful TMS, we specialize in providing advanced, evidence-based Deep TMS treatment for individuals living with depression and other mental health conditions. Our experienced team works closely with each patient to determine the most appropriate treatment approach based on their symptoms, medical history, and treatment goals.
If you’ve been struggling with depression, PTSD, or both, we’re here to help you explore whether Deep TMS could be the next step in your recovery.
Contact Mindful TMS today to schedule a consultation and learn more about Deep TMS treatment options.
External Reference: The findings summarized in this article are based on a retrospective study published in Psychiatric Times (June 29, 2026) reporting outcomes from 462 patients with co-occurring PTSD and major depressive disorder treated with Deep TMS.