Healing Depression without Medication: The Science Behind the Power of TMS featuring Dr. Alex Mageno

In this episode, Gavin interviews psychiatrist Dr. Alex Mageno about his path from an early interest in pediatrics to psychiatry, and how he began specializing in transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS). Dr. Mageno explains the difference between psychiatrists and psychologists, then breaks down TMS as an external magnetic stimulation that activates brain nerves, promotes new neural connections, and targets the left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex, which is often underactive in depression. Dr. Mageno reviews FDA approvals (depression, OCD, chronic pain, and adolescent depression) and ongoing research uses, typical insurance qualification after multiple medication trials, costs for self-pay, side effects and seizure risk, and the time commitment of a standard 36-session course. He also discusses protocols like deep TMS and accelerated/SAINT approaches, shares patient success stories, and emphasizes hope and other options if TMS fails.