TMS for Depression: Equally Effective for Men and Women, Study Finds

When it comes to mental health treatments, it’s important to ask: does sex matter in how effective a therapy is? For years, researchers have explored whether men and women respond differently to medications and psychotherapy. But what about Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS), a non-invasive, FDA-cleared therapy for depression?

A large-scale real-world study recently set out to answer that question—and the results are encouraging.

What the Study Looked At

Researchers from the University of Regensburg in Germany analyzed data from 984 patients (539 women and 445 men) who received TMS treatment for depression. These individuals weren’t part of a small clinical trial, but instead came from diverse clinical backgrounds, making the results more reflective of everyday medical practice.

Patients in the study received various TMS protocols—most commonly:

• 10 Hz stimulation

• 20 Hz stimulation

• Theta burst stimulation

• Accelerated TMS protocols

These treatments were primarily targeted at the left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex, a key brain region involved in mood regulation.

Measuring Outcomes: TMS for Depression

To determine how well TMS worked, researchers tracked changes in two well-established clinical rating tools:

• Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HAMD-21)

• Major Depression Inventory (MDI)

They also looked at response rates (significant symptom improvement) and remission rates (near or full recovery) for both male and female patients.

The Findings: No Significant Sex Difference

One of the most meaningful takeaways from this study is the clear conclusion: TMS works equally well for men and women.

Here’s a closer look at the numbers:

• HAMD-21 Response Rate:

  • Women: 34.3%

  • Men: 30.1%

• MDI Response Rate:

  • Women: 33.1%

  • Men: 33.5%

While there were very minor differences in percentages, they were not statistically significant, meaning the slight variation could have happened by chance.

Interestingly, in a more detailed exploratory analysis, there was a slight tendency for women to respond better to the 20 Hz protocol—but the researchers note that this trend was not strong enough to change the overall conclusion.

Why This Matters

In clinical practice, understanding whether a treatment might work differently for different groups helps providers personalize care. Historically, many antidepressant studies underrepresented women—or didn’t explore sex-based differences at all. That’s now changing.

For TMS providers and patients alike, this research reinforces that rTMS is a reliable, evidence-based option for both men and women facing major depressive disorder (MDD). It also adds to the growing body of research supporting TMS as a first-line or second-line therapy when medications alone aren’t enough.

TMS at Goodwin Health Café

At Goodwin Health Café, we use the latest science to support our clients through a holistic and evidence-based approach to mental wellness. TMS is one of the advanced treatment options we offer, particularly for individuals who have not found relief with traditional medication.

Our providers are trained in multiple TMS protocols, including 10 Hz, 20 Hz, and theta burst stimulation. Treatment is customized based on your unique symptoms, health history, and goals—because even if research shows the same success rate across genders, every patient deserves a tailored plan.

In Summary

The idea that one treatment may work better for one gender than another is important to explore—but in the case of TMS for depression, men and women respond similarly well. Whether you’re just beginning your mental health journey or exploring new treatment options after limited success with medication, TMS may be worth considering.

If you're curious about whether TMS is right for you or a loved one, reach out to us at Goodwin Health Café. Our team is here to guide you through every step of the process.

For more insights into cutting-edge mental health treatments and holistic wellness approaches, stay connected with Goodwin Health Café.