TMS Therapy: Myth vs Fact
Will I Lose My Personality from TMS Therapy?
Worried that TMS Therapy might change who you are? Discover the science behind why TMS targets mood, not personality, and how it helps you feel more like your "true self" again.
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When we talk to patients about TMS Therapy (Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation), there is often a hesitation that has nothing to do with safety or success rates. It is a quieter, deeper fear.
They ask us: "If you start tinkering with my brain waves, will I still be... me?"
We blame Hollywood for this. For decades, movies have portrayed psychiatric treatment as something that turns vibrant people into emotionless "zombies" or erases their memories.
If you are worried that TMS will change your personality, we have good news: The answer is no.
At NBCG, we believe in transparency. Here is the science behind why TMS restores your personality rather than rewriting it.
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The "Zombie" Myth: TMS vs. ECT
The fear of personality change is almost always due to confusion between TMS and older treatments like ECT (Electroconvulsive Therapy) or "shock therapy."
ECT induces seizure across the entire brain. While effective for severe cases, it can cause memory loss and temporary confusion that makes patients feel "foggy" or unlike themselves.
TMS is completely different. It uses magnetic pulses (like an MRI) to target a specific area of the brain called the Dorsolateral Prefrontal Cortex.
Think of your brain like a house. ECT is like turning off the main power breaker to the whole house to reset it. TMS is like a dimmer switch that adjusts the lighting in just one room. Because we are only targeting the specific circuit responsible for mood regulation, the rest of your "house" (your memories, your humor, your intellect, and your personality) is left untouched.
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The "Real" Change: Restoration, Not Alteration
While TMS doesn't change your personality, it does change your behavior—but in the way you likely want it to.
Depression puts a heavy veil over your true self. It makes you irritable, withdrawn, lethargic, and reactive. Many patients tell us, "I don't feel like myself anymore."
When TMS lifts that depression, your true personality is free to come back online.
If you are naturally funny, you will find yourself laughing again.
If you are naturally ambitious, you will find your drive returning.
If you are naturally affectionate, you will feel connected to your loved ones again.
In clinical terms, there is no personality change. Instead, TMS sparks a remission (removal) of depression symptoms. You aren't becoming a new person; you are recovering the person you were before the depression took over.
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Side Effects: What Actually Happens?
If TMS doesn't cause personality changes, what does it cause? The side effects are almost entirely physical, not cognitive.
Common: Mild scalp discomfort or a tapping sensation during the treatment, and occasionally a mild headache afterward.
Rare: Some mental and physical fatigue after the first few sessions as your brain adjusts to the "workout.”
What DOESN'T Happen: Memory loss, brain fog, or changes in your core beliefs/identity.
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Why We Still Recommend Therapy
While TMS does the heavy lifting of waking up your brain cells, we still strongly encourage pairing your treatment with psychotherapy.
Why? Because even though your personality hasn't changed, your habits might have. If you have been depressed for years, you may have developed habits of isolation or negative self-talk.
TMS gives you the energy to change; therapy gives you the tools to make those changes stick. This combination helps you step back into your "true self" faster and more confidently.
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The Verdict
You do not have to choose between your mental health and your identity. TMS is a tool to help you reclaim your life, not rewrite it.
If you are ready to feel like "you" again, we are here to help you take that step.
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References & Clinical Data
For those who want to look closer at the science, here are the studies and data supporting the safety profile of TMS.
Safety & Personality: Clinical studies have consistently shown that TMS is well-tolerated and does not produce negative cognitive or personality changes.
Cognitive Safety: Unlike ECT, TMS has been proven not to affect memory or concentration negatively.
FDA Approval: NeuroStar TMS Therapy was FDA cleared in 2008 for the treatment of Major Depressive Disorder, with safety data reviewed by federal regulators.
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Additional Information & Resources
Trusted third-party organizations that provide unbiased information on brain stimulation.
NAMI: Ect, TMS and Other Brain Stimulation Therapies The National Alliance on Mental Illness breaks down the differences between shock therapy and magnetic stimulation.
Mayo Clinic: Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation A patient-friendly overview of the procedure, risks, and results.
Clinical TMS Society: Patient Resources A global association dedicated to optimizing clinical practice and awareness of TMS.
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NBCG Contact Information
Ready to Feel Like Yourself Again?
If fear has been holding you back from exploring advanced depression treatment, let’s talk. Our team at Neurobehavioral Center for Growth is happy to walk you through the technology, show you the treatment room, and answer every question you have.
Call us to schedule a consultation: (801) 806-4799
Learn more about our TMS services: www.neurobcg.com/tms
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