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Rewriting the Script: The Need for Effective Education to Address Racial Disparities in Transcranial Magnetic
Christi Rp Sullivan1, Alex Henry2, Jonathan Lehman2
1University of Minnesota, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Minneapolis, MN, USA.
Neuroethics
|August 18, 2025
Summary
Racial disparities persist in accessing Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) for depression. Barriers like cost and knowledge remain, despite an educational intervention, highlighting the need for targeted strategies to improve access for all populations.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Psychiatry
- Health Services Research
Background:
- Depression is a prevalent mental health condition in the US.
- Neuromodulation treatments, including Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS), are increasingly used for depression.
- Racial disparities in accessing neuromodulation treatments are a growing concern.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate structural and attitudinal barriers faced by racialized individuals in accessing Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) for depression.
- To assess the impact of an educational video intervention on knowledge, stigma, and attitudes towards TMS among non-white individuals with depression.
Main Methods:
- Qualitative study involving focus groups with self-identified non-white participants in the Twin Cities, Minnesota.
- Participants had no prior TMS exposure but had tried at least one depression treatment.
- An educational video intervention was administered prior to focus group discussions in January 2023.
Main Results:
- The educational intervention did not significantly alter knowledge or reduce stigma associated with TMS.
- Participant attitudes towards traveling for treatment showed some change.
- Persistent barriers included affordability, treatment frequency, and lack of comprehensive information about TMS.
- Participants desired more personalized information and community-based educational resources.
Conclusions:
- Existing educational interventions may not be sufficient to overcome deeply rooted barriers to TMS access.
- Multifaceted strategies are essential to reduce racial disparities in neuromodulation treatment utilization.
- Recommendations include enhancing patient education, developing community-based resources, and implementing supportive policy interventions.
- Creating a TMS education program focused on patient engagement and awareness is an immediate actionable step.
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