Real Relief for Teens When Traditional Treatments Aren’t Enough

Adolescent Depression Is Common — And Undertreated

Nearly 1 in 5  U.S. teenagers experiences a major depressive episode each year. Depression in adolescents doesn't always look like sadness — it can manifest as irritability, social withdrawal, loss of interest in activities, academic decline, sleep disruption, and physical complaints. For many teens, standard treatments help significantly. But for some, antidepressants and therapy alone are not enough.

FDA Clearance for Adolescent TMS (Ages 15–21)

In March 2024, the FDA cleared NeuroStar TMS for use in adolescents aged 15 to 21 as an adjunct treatment for major depressive disorder (MDD) — making it the first and only FDA-cleared TMS therapy for this age group. This clearance was supported by real-world data showing meaningful reduction in depression symptoms and good tolerability in adolescent patients.

Who Is a Candidate?

• Teens ages 15 and older

• Diagnosed with major depressive disorder (MDD)

• Have not responded adequately to antidepressant medication trials

• Whose parents or guardians are actively involved in the evaluation and treatment process

What to Expect — Teen TMS Treatment

• Initial clinical evaluation with a psychiatrist (parent/guardian involvement required)

• Review of prior treatments and full psychiatric history

• NeuroStar sessions scheduled 5 days per week for several weeks

• Sessions last 20-40 minutes — teen remains awake and alert throughout

• Ongoing mood monitoring and safety checks with parental communication

• Most common side effects: temporary scalp discomfort or mild headache