Non-medication therapy for depression
TMS, tDCS and TPS - three non-invasive neuromodulation procedures, individually tailored to your situation. Outpatient, no surgery, no anaesthesia.
New options for depression
Depression is one of the most common conditions worldwide - and despite many available treatments, not everyone responds to medication or psychotherapy alone. Non-invasive brain stimulation offers a complementary approach.
At our practice, we combine three non-invasive procedures: Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS), Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation (tDCS) and Transcranial Pulse Stimulation (TPS). Each acts on the brain's depression network - via different mechanisms.
Which procedure - or which combination - is appropriate will be discussed individually during the initial medical consultation. No guarantee of efficacy can be given.
Zum Thema
Depression verstehen: Symptome, Ursachen und Behandlung im Überblick
* TMS and tDCS are CE-approved procedures. TPS is used for depression as an individual treatment attempt following medical assessment. All procedures are self-pay services.
Three procedures - individually combined
TMS, tDCS and TPS stimulate the brain via different mechanisms. Which procedure or combination is appropriate for you will be clarified in the initial medical consultation.
Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation
TMS activates nerve cells in the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex via a short, focused magnetic pulse. The procedure is CE-approved and listed as a treatment option in the S3 guideline for unipolar depression (AWMF).
Supported by numerous randomised controlled trials and meta-analyses; recommended in the S3 guideline for unipolar depression (AWMF 2022).
Learn more about TMSDirect current stimulation
tDCS applies a very weak direct current through electrodes on the scalp. The CE-certified tDCS headset precisely stimulates the left prefrontal cortex - a key region in the brain's depression network.
In a controlled study (Woodham et al. 2024, Nature Medicine, n=173), tDCS showed significant improvement compared to the control group.
Learn more about tDCSTranscranial Pulse Stimulation
TPS delivers focused shock wave impulses through the skull into defined brain areas. The NEUROLITH® device is navigated with MRI support - for precise, individually planned treatments at our practice.
First clinical data (Cheung et al. 2023, IJERPH, n=30) indicate improvements in depressive symptoms.
Learn more about TPSTMS and tDCS are CE-approved procedures. TPS is used for depression as an individual treatment attempt. Clinical studies show initial evidence of efficacy for all three procedures; direct evidence for combined effects is not yet available for all combinations.
Reclaiming everyday life
New energy, new perspectives - step by step
How your treatment works
Initial consultation· approx. 30-45 min.
Dr. Schwarz discusses your situation, history and goals. Together we clarify which procedures are suitable for you - transparent and without obligation.
Treatment planning
Depending on your situation, we plan TMS, tDCS and/or TPS sessions. TMS and TPS take place at our practice; tDCS can also be partially used at home. Outpatient, no anaesthesia - you can go home directly afterwards.
Treatment phase· approx. 30 min. per session
TPS and tDCS sessions approx. 30 minutes each; the TMS protocol is planned individually. Outpatient, no anaesthesia, no medication. You can go home directly afterwards.
Follow-up assessment
After the treatment phase, we discuss the progress together and whether further sessions are advisable.
Is neurostimulation suitable for you?
Not every patient benefits equally. Answer a few short questions about your situation - we review your information personally and get back to you.
- A few short questions · just a few minutes
- Personal response from Dr. Schwarz
- Response by email within 24 hours
- Confidential in accordance with medical confidentiality and GDPR
Non-invasive
No surgery, no anaesthesia
No medication
Without systemic side effects
Outpatient
Approx. 30 min. per session
Individual
Medically planned and supervised
TMS, tDCS and TPS - briefly explained
All three procedures are non-invasive, outpatient and well tolerated. They act on different brain areas via different mechanisms - and can therefore complement each other.
Dr. Tim Schwarz
Dr. Tim Schwarz führt die Behandlung mit medizinischer Sorgfalt und persönlicher Begleitung der Patientinnen und Patienten.
Clinical expertise
Trained at:
Experience gained at the practice of his father, Dr. Schwarz senior in Ulm - one of Germany's most experienced TPS specialists.
Personally there for you
- No referral needed
- Discreet, empathetic consultation
- Clear information on costs and options - before treatment begins
Your questions about treatment
Still have questions? We answer everything in your personal initial consultation.
Request information brochure
As a relative or person affected, you can contact us directly.