Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) is a new technology that is showing promise as a treatment for depression.
TMS involves holding an insulated coil in contact with the scalp and passing a strong current around the coil. This creates a magnetic field that passes through to the brain. When the current is rapidly fluctuated, the magnetic field fluctuates causing tiny secondary currents in the brain. TMS generally takes around 20-30 minutes to administer, and you are awake during this process. TMS does not require anaesthetic, and it does not affect memory.