TMS Therapy for ADHD

Living with ADHD can feel like your mind is always one step ahead, or scattered in ten different directions at once. Whether you’re constantly battling distraction, impulsivity, or restlessness, ADHD can make even simple daily tasks feel overwhelming. While medications and behavioral therapy help many, they don’t work for everyone.

At NeuroHealth Treatment Centers, we offer Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) therapy as a non-invasive, medication-free option for individuals with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder. Our goal is to help people with ADHD find relief from hyperactivity symptoms, especially those who haven’t found success through traditional approaches.

Great practice! First impression means a lot and my first point of contact was with Anthony. He seems to do everything there and he’s great at his job. I wasn’t really sure what I was doing and Anthony walked me through the process. This made me feel great going into my meeting with the doctor. The Doctor asked all the right questions and his ideas and the prescription he offered was a game changer. Highly recommended!

– Doug R.

Understanding TMS for ADHD

ADHD is a common neurodevelopmental condition that affects both children and adults. It’s more than just trouble paying attention; individuals with ADHD may experience disruptions in their work, relationships, and self-esteem.

The symptoms of ADHD vary widely from person to person. Some people struggle quietly with focus and procrastination, while others experience outward hyperactivity and emotional outbursts. Many adults don’t even realize they have ADHD until it starts to seriously affect their work or home life.

If you struggle with ADHD, NeuroHealth Treatment Centers can determine your suitability for TMS therapy. We customize treatment for the type of ADHD and symptoms you have.

ADHD Inattentive Type

ADHD, Predominantly Inattentive Type is diagnosed when individuals exhibit at least six symptoms of inattention (or five in adults), with minimal or no hyperactivity or impulsivity. According to the DSM-5, these symptoms must be present for at least six months and be developmentally inappropriate, persistent, and impairing across multiple settings (e.g., home, school, work).

People with this type of ADHD often appear quiet or disengaged rather than disruptive, which can delay diagnosis (especially in girls and adults). They may struggle with academic or workplace performance, follow-through, and daily responsibilities, often feeling overwhelmed or mentally “foggy.”

Common symptoms of inattentive ADHD include:

• Frequent careless mistakes or difficulty sustaining attention
• Trouble following through on tasks or instructions
• Avoidance of tasks requiring sustained mental effort
• Easily distracted by extraneous stimuli
• Forgetfulness in daily routines (missed appointments, misplaced items)
• Disorganization in work or personal tasks

Emerging research suggests that TMS targeting the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC) can enhance focus, executive function, and processing speed in individuals with inattentive-type ADHD. This area of the brain is linked to attention and working memory.

ADHD Hyperactive-Impulsive Type

This presentation is defined by at least six symptoms of hyperactivity and impulsivity (or five for adults), without significant inattention. Symptoms must persist for at least six months and interfere with social, academic, or occupational functioning. Though more common in children, hyperactive-impulsive ADHD can persist into adulthood, where it often presents as inner restlessness or emotional impulsivity.

Hyperactive-impulsive ADHD often affects social relationships and behavioral regulation. In children, it can lead to classroom disruptions and peer conflicts; in adults, it may manifest as impulsive spending, road rage, or difficulty sitting through meetings. Emotional dysregulation is common.

Common symptoms of hyperactive-impulsive ADHD include:

• Fidgeting, tapping hands/feet, or squirming in seat
• Inability to stay seated in appropriate situations
• Feeling “driven by a motor” or constantly on the go
• Blurting out answers or interrupting conversations
• Difficulty waiting one’s turn or engaging in quiet activities
• Acting without considering consequences

TMS has been shown to reduce hyperactivity and impulsivity by modulating frontal-striatal and limbic circuits associated with behavioral inhibition. Preliminary trials report that patients receiving repetitive TMS (rTMS) to the prefrontal cortex demonstrate better self-regulation and decreased impulsivity over time.

ADHD Combined Type

ADHD Combined Type is diagnosed when both inattentive and hyperactive-impulsive symptoms are present in clinically significant levels. This is the most common subtype of ADHD and is typically identified earlier in life due to its more noticeable behavioral impact. Symptoms must impair functioning in two or more settings and persist for at least six months.

Individuals with combined-type ADHD often struggle across multiple domains, including school, work, social, and emotional. The combination of distractibility, poor task completion, restlessness, and impulsivity can create chronic frustration, conflict with peers or coworkers, and low self-esteem.

Common symptoms of combined-type ADHD include:

• Difficulty sustaining attention and completing tasks
• Frequent interruptions or intrusions during conversations
• Restlessness, fidgeting, or an internal sense of agitation
• Trouble organizing tasks and managing time
• Talking excessively or acting impulsively
• Emotional outbursts or quick frustration

Combined-type ADHD benefits from a more holistic approach. Studies examining the use of high-frequency TMS over the left DLPFC have shown promise in improving both cognitive and behavioral symptoms in individuals with combined-type ADHD. Patients have reported improvements in attention span, working memory, and impulse control after several weeks of TMS sessions.

What Is TMS for ADHD?

Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) is a non-invasive brain stimulation technology that has shown promise in improving attention, executive function, and emotional regulation in individuals with ADHD. Gentle magnetic pulses stimulate underactive areas of the brain, helping you regain clarity and control in your daily life.

Studies show that TMS therapy is effective in addressing inattentive-type ADHD, hyperactive-impulsive ADHD, and combined-type ADHD. Our team works with you closely to understand your specific symptoms and map out the regions of the brain so we can target treatment for optimal effect.

TMS for ADHD may be right for you if you:

• Have not responded to standard treatments such as medication or behavioral therapy
• Cannot tolerate stimulant medications due to side effects or contraindications
• Prefer non-pharmacological or holistic treatment options
• Experience co-occurring conditions such as anxiety, depression, or sleep disorders

At NeuroHealth, we conduct a comprehensive psychiatric evaluation before initiating TMS to determine whether this approach is clinically appropriate for your needs.

Are There Side Effects from TMS?

TMS therapy is generally well-tolerated, with a low risk of side effects compared to medications commonly used to treat ADHD. Because it’s non-invasive and does not involve anesthesia or systemic drugs, most people are able to return to normal activities immediately after treatment.

Possible side effects of TMS therapy for ADHD include:

• Mild scalp discomfort at the treatment site
• Headache during or shortly after the session
• Tingling or tapping sensation on the scalp during stimulation
• Temporary fatigue or lightheadedness in some individuals

These side effects are typically short-lived and decrease over time as the brain adjusts to treatment. Serious side effects (such as seizure) are extremely rare and occur in less than 0.1% of patients, typically in those with a pre-existing neurological condition.

TMS Therapy: A Smarter Way Forward for ADHD

Living with ADHD can feel like a constant uphill climb, especially when traditional treatments fall short. Whether you’re dealing with mental fog, impulsivity, or the frustration of trying to manage it all on your own, you deserve an approach that works with your brain, not against it.

TMS therapy for ADHD offers a safe, drug-free, and evidence-based path forward. Unlike other treatments, TMS targets the root of the problem in the brain’s attention and self-regulation systems. At NeuroHealth Treatment Centers, we’re here to help you regain clarity, calm, and control so you can move through your day with more confidence and less chaos.

Ready to explore a new option for ADHD treatment? Schedule your FREE consultation today, or call NeuroHealth Treatment Centers at 954-417-7575 to find out if TMS therapy is right for you.