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TMS Therapy for ADHD: A Breakthrough Treatment Option at Advantage TMS

Living with ADHD can feel like your brain has too many browser tabs open—constantly switching between thoughts, tasks, and impulses. While stimulants like Adderall help many manage symptoms, nearly 30% of patients don’t respond to medication, and others struggle with life-changing side effects, such as insomnia, appetite loss, and emotional numbness.

 

At Advantage TMS, we know patients deserve something better, which is why we recommend Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) for our ADHD patients. This innovative, drug-free treatment uses gentle magnetic pulses to help “reboot” the brain’s focus centers—without pills, crashes, or dependency risks. New research suggests that TMS  therapy may improve attention regulation while also simultaneously treating common ADHD comorbidities like depression and anxiety.

 

Read on to find out:
✔ How TMS targets ADHD at its neurological roots
✔ The promising science behind brain stimulation for focus
✔ Who makes an ideal candidate for TMS treatment for ADHD
✔ What typical treatment looks like
✔ How TMS complements (or even replaces) traditional ADHD therapies

For adults tired of medication rollercoasters and parents seeking alternatives for their teens, TMS offers new hope for clearer thinking and better days ahead.

Hand of black boy puts wooden cube with ADHD, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder on table.

Understanding ADHD: More Than Just Focus Issues

ADHD is often misunderstood and oversimplified as simply the inability to focus. In reality, it’s a neurodevelopmental disorder affecting:

  • Attention & Concentration – Difficulty staying on task
  • Impulse Control – Acting without thinking
  • Emotional Regulation – Mood swings, frustration
  • Executive Function – Poor planning, forgetfulness

Traditional treatments include stimulant medications such as Adderall or Vyvanse or behavioral therapy (CBT, coaching). Some patients have reported an improvement in their symptoms with lifestyle changes including increased exercise and diet adjustments. But what if medication isn’t an option, causes too many side effects, or isn’t enough to treat your ADHD?

How TMS Therapy Works for ADHD

1. What is TMS?

Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) is a non-invasive treatment that uses magnetic pulses to stimulate less active parts of the brain that are linked to mood, focus, and impulse control. TMS therapy is FDA-cleared for depression and OCD, and emerging research suggests benefits for ADHD.

2. The Science Behind TMS & ADHD

Studies indicate that ADHD involves dysregulation in the prefrontal cortex—the brain’s “control center” for attention and decision-making. TMS gently stimulates the brain’s prefrontal cortex, helping:
✔ Improve patients’ focus & concentration
✔ Reduce impulsive behavior
✔ Enhance emotional regulation and stability

 

A 2022 study in Journal of Psychiatric Research found that repetitive TMS (rTMS) improved attention and reduced hyperactivity in adults with ADHD.

3. Who Is a Good Candidate for TMS treatment?

TMS may help if you:

  • Don’t respond well to ADHD medications
  • Experience side effects from stimulant medications (e.g., insomnia, anxiety)
  • Want a drug-free, non-invasive treatment
  • Have comorbid depression or anxiety (TMS can treat both) 
  • At this point, insurance does not cover TMS treatment for ADHD – it only covers TMS for depression so you must have been on 1-3 medications for depression to qualify to use your insurance.  
  • We offer self pay rates for those who have not been on depression medication and would like to try TMS for ADHD.

What to Expect During TMS Treatment for ADHD

1. Consultation & Brain Mapping

When you first come to Advantage TMS, we will start off with a detailed evaluation to determine if TMS is right for you. We will then identify the area for your brain to be stimulated through TMS therapy.

2. Treatment Sessions

  • Non-invasive & painless – No anesthesia or sedation
  • Quick sessions – Just 20 minutes, 5 days a week
  • No downtime – Resume daily activities immediately

3. Progress & Results

Within just 2-3 weeks of receiving TMS treatment, many of our patients with ADHD report being able to focus better. Other benefits our patients have reported include: reduced impulsiveness, fewer  emotional outbursts, better sleep, and improved mood stability.

TMS vs. Traditional ADHD Treatments

Treatment

Pros

Cons

Stimulant Medications

Fast-acting, widely available

Side effects (anxiety, insomnia, dependency)

Behavioral Therapy

No medication, long-term skills

Takes time, not always covered by insurance

TMS Therapy

Non-invasive, involves no medication, treats comorbid depression/anxiety

Requires multiple sessions, newer approach for treating ADHD

Why Choose TMS Treatment for ADHD:
– No systemic side effects (unlike meds)
– Can enhance therapy & medication effects
– Long-lasting improvements

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Is TMS FDA-cleared for ADHD?

A: While TMS is FDA-cleared for depression and OCD, research for ADHD is promising. Many clinics (including Advantage TMS) offer it as an off-label treatment.

Q: How long do TMS benefits last?

A: Many patients sustain improvements for months to years, especially with occasional maintenance sessions.

Q: Can kids with ADHD get TMS?

A: Currently, TMS is primarily used for adults, but studies on using TMS therapy to treat adolescent ADHD are underway.

Q: Does insurance cover TMS for ADHD?

A: You can have insurance pay for TMS if you’ve been on medication for depression – and even though we’re treating you for depression, it will still have an impact on your ADHD symptoms.  If you do not qualify via your insurance, we offer self pay plans with flexible, interest free payments. 

Take the Next Step with Advantage TMS

If you or a loved one struggles with ADHD and wants a drug-free, science-backed alternative, TMS therapy could be the solution.

 

Call (727) 600-8093 or Schedule a Free Consultation

At Advantage TMS, we combine cutting-edge technology with compassionate care—helping you regain focus, control, and confidence.

Picture of Hirely Martinez

Hirely Martinez

Hirely Martinez, LCSW, is a leading mental health expert and head of the Integrative TMS Program at Advantage TMS. Specializing in TMS therapy, LGBTQ+ cultural competency, and innovative mental health care.

Sources


    1. SpringerOpen article
       El Shami, M., & El-Mallakh, R. S. (2022). Repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation in ADHD: A review of current evidence. Middle East Current Psychiatry, 29(1), 1–7. https://doi.org/10.1186/s43045-022-00210-3

    2. ADDitude Magazine article
       Saline, S. (n.d.). ADHD and the misunderstood self: How shame and rejection shape our identity. ADDitude. Retrieved April 2, 2025, from https://www.additudemag.com/sense-of-self-being-misunderstood-adhd/

    3. PubMed article
       Faraone, S. V., Buitelaar, J. (2010). Comparative efficacy of stimulants for attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder: A meta-analysis. Journal of Clinical Psychopharmacology, 30(6), 579–588. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24402970/
    4. U.S. Food and Drug Administration. (2018, August 17). FDA permits marketing of transcranial magnetic stimulation for treatment of obsessive compulsive disorder. https://www.fda.gov/news-events/press-announcements/fda-permits-marketing-transcranial-magnetic-stimulation-treatment-obsessive-compulsive-disorder

    Arnsten, A. F. T. (2009). The emerging neurobiology of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder: The key role of the prefrontal association cortex. The Journal of Pediatrics, 154(5), I–S43. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jpeds.2009.01.018

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Please fill out the form if you have a patient interested in learning more about TMS treatment. We appreciate the referral and partnership.

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