NeuroStar TMS Demonstrates Strong Depression Relief In Teens And Young Adults; Data Published With Leading Psychiatry Journal

Neuronetics, Inc. has announced the publication of new real-world data in JAACAP Open, highlighting the effectiveness of NeuroStar® TMS (transcranial magnetic stimulation) in treating depression in adolescents and young adults. The peer-reviewed study underscores the therapeutic impact of TMS in younger populations, echoing results previously seen in adult patients.

“These data, derived from the largest sample of adolescent and young adult patients who have received NeuroStar TMS, demonstrate the undeniable results NeuroStar TMS provides, which is consistent with the efficacy and meaningful benefit we see with adult populations. One in five adolescents experiences an episode of major depressive disorder, and the majority go untreated, as there are only two FDA-approved medications for this population, and both come with major safety warnings.3,4,5 There is a huge opportunity for NeuroStar TMS to provide a safe and effective option to these patients at a critical time in their lives and development,” said Todd M. Hutton, MD, Chief Medical Officer of Southern California TMS Center and former President of the Clinical TMS Society. 

The data comes from the NeuroStar TrakStar Clinical Database, the largest global depression outcomes database. Researchers evaluated 1,283 patients aged 12–21, with 70% experiencing clinically meaningful improvement in depression symptoms and fewer than 1% reporting worsening, based on PHQ-9 scores. The study included 682 adolescents (12–19) and 601 young adults (20–21).

“Since NeuroStar was the first TMS manufacturer to receive FDA clearance as an add-on therapy to treat adolescents, ages 15-21, with major depressive disorder in March 2024, we have seen over a one-third increase in adolescents being treated with NeuroStar, highlighting the importance and rapid uptake in the younger patient population. These findings reinforce the unique leadership role Neuronetics plays both as an innovator and a resource for clinical research with our proprietary TrakStar® dataset. We will continue to work with providers and payers to expand access to NeuroStar TMS for appropriate young patients,” said Keith J. Sullivan, President and CEO of Neuronetics. 

The trajectory of symptom improvement in adolescents mirrored that seen in adults, reinforcing the effectiveness of a full treatment course. The findings demonstrate NeuroStar TMS as a promising, non-drug intervention for younger patients with depression, particularly those seeking alternatives to traditional pharmacotherapy.