If you’re considering Deep TMS (Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation) therapy, you might be wondering how long its effects can last and what factors impact its longevity. With our comprehensive analysis, we will guide you through the nuances of TMS longevity, explore the reasons behind the varying durations, and provide insight into strategies that may help prolong the benefits of TMS therapy.
Key Takeaways
- The benefits of Deep TMS therapy for depression and anxiety generally last between 6 to 12 months, with some patients remaining symptom-free for over a year. However, maintenance treatments are often necessary to extend these benefits.
- Deep TMS uses magnetic fields to stimulate the brain’s neural activity, targeting the left prefrontal cortex to alleviate symptoms of major depressive disorder (MDD) and obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), with FDA clearance supporting its use.
- While effective, Deep TMS isn’t a permanent cure, and the duration of its benefits can vary greatly between individuals due to factors like age, severity of depression, treatment response, and concurrent use of antidepressants.
Understanding the Lifespan of dTMS Benefits
It is a common concern for those considering TMS therapy to wonder about the duration of its effects after treatment. On average, patients typically see benefits from Deep TMS therapy lasting anywhere from 6 to 12 months. Studies have shown that some individuals can maintain their improvements or remain symptom-free for over a year after their initial Deep TMS treatment1.
TMS therapy does not provide a permanent solution despite these positive outcomes, and patients should consider long-term strategies. One crucial aspect of this process is undergoing maintenance treatments, which help prevent relapse and prolong the initial benefits gained through TMS therapy for patients.
The Science of Deep TMS
Deep transcranial magnetic stimulation (Deep TMS) is a safe and non-invasive method of brain stimulation that utilizes strong magnetic fields to reduce symptoms of depression and anxiety. By altering neural activity in specific regions, the magnetic pulses used in this therapy can impact mood regulation and cognitive function pathways involved with mental health conditions. This results in reactivating or enhancing underused areas of the brain related to major depressive disorder (MDD), making it an effective option for patients seeking treatment.[2]
One key advantage of Deep TMS is its targeted approach toward the left prefrontal cortex, which has shown decreased functional and metabolic activity among individuals suffering from MDD. Due to its precision targeting, Deep TMS has received FDA clearance as a viable treatment for both major depressive disorder (MDD) and obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD).
The Role of Brain Mapping in dTMS
Brain mapping is an essential part of noninvasive brain stimulation methods like Deep TMS, as it helps to accurately target specific areas of the brain for optimal treatment outcomes. Different techniques, such as MEG and EEG, which directly measure neuronal activity, can be used for brain mapping.
The accuracy of TMS brain mapping can be greatly improved with a technique called Navigated TMS (nTMS), which combines MRI data with the procedure to ensure precise alignment even if the patient moves during treatment. In this process, healthcare professionals typically identify the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC), and they adjust its magnetic dose through motor threshold determination before proceeding with the TMS procedure.
Deep TMS vs. rTMS: Understanding the Differences
Deep transcranial magnetic stimulation (Deep TMS) and repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) are innovative, non-invasive brain stimulation techniques used to treat various mental health conditions, including depression. The fundamental difference between the two lies in their penetration depth and targeted brain regions.
Deep TMS utilizes an H-coil housed within a helmet-like device to deliver magnetic fields radially. This allows it to reach deeper brain structures approximately 4 cm into the brain, such as the subgenual anterior cingulate cortex, which is associated with mood and motivation[3]. In contrast, rTMS employs a figure-8 coil that focuses magnetic fields more vertically and narrowly, penetrating about 1-1.5 cm into the brain and targeting the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex, which is involved in executive functions and mood regulation.[4] Both treatments have shown to be safe and effective, with common mild side effects like headache and scalp discomfort.
Patient Experiences with Deep TMS Duration
The length of time patients experience positive effects from Deep TMS therapy can vary significantly. While the mood improvements for depression treatment with TMS can last anywhere from six months to over a year, about two-thirds of patients continue to see improvements after three months, and half still show improvement at the one-year mark. In a specific study, around 70% of participants noted a marked improvement in their symptoms of Major Depressive Disorder during pregnancy, observing a reduction of over 50% in their scores on the Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HDRS-17) following TMS therapy.[5]
The duration in which these benefits differs among different people. Some may feel relief for years following TMS treatment, while others may require additional sessions only after a few months. For those who adhere to proper medication and make necessary lifestyle changes that support better moods, the effects tend to last longer post-TMS therapy.
Factors Influencing the Duration of dTMS Effects
Factors that affect the effectiveness of Deep TMS treatment can include a patient’s age, initial response to therapy, the severity of depression at the beginning of treatment, and whether or not antidepressants are used concurrently with Deep TMS. These variables can significantly impact how long individuals may experience positive outcomes from Deep TMS and can also influence its overall efficacy and duration in providing relief for patients.
It’s important to note that not all patients will see long-lasting results from this form of treatment. There is a wide range of how durable the benefits may be among different individuals undergoing TMS therapy.
Can Maintenance Treatments Extend the Benefits of TMS Therapy?
Repetitive TMS therapy, also known as maintenance treatments, can extend the benefits of TMS for individuals with major depressive disorder. These sessions help to renew the positive effects of TMS when depressive symptoms resurface and are typically less frequent and shorter in duration compared to the initial treatment. Regular maintenance sessions can help reduce the risk of relapse[6] for patients who have responded well to acute TMS treatment but struggle with treatment-resistant depression.
External factors such as medical coverage may influence its effectiveness in preventing relapses for those with MDD who haven’t responded well to traditional methods. As a result, patients and healthcare providers need to collaborate on individualized plans based on personal health needs when considering incorporating maintenance TMS into their overall treatment regimen.
The Impact of Medication on Deep TMS Efficacy
The efficacy of Deep TMS therapy can be affected by the use of medication. For example, using benzodiazepines during treatment has been linked to less improvement in depressive symptoms, which indicates a potential negative impact on its effectiveness. In contrast, taking psychostimulants while undergoing TMS therapy has been associated with improved outcomes, possibly due to their ability to enhance neuroplasticity and affect the adrenergic system.
The influence of antidepressant medications on the results of Deep TMS treatment remains significant even after accounting for factors such as age, severity of symptoms, and levels of anxiety. It is important that careful consideration is given when choosing and managing psychotropic drugs during this type of treatment. Typically, patients are able to continue taking their regular medications throughout a series.
The Frequency and Scheduling of Deep TMS Sessions
The effectiveness of the TMS treatment largely depends on how often and when Deep TMS sessions are scheduled. In the initial stage, patients typically undergo daily sessions for four weeks, with a frequency of five times per week. Following this acute phase is the continuation phase that includes two weekly sessions that are held for eight to 12 weeks.
For depression, a complete course of Deep TMS usually involves 30 to 36 carefully planned sessions spread across both phases and spanning around six weeks in total duration. These meticulous session plans aim to maximize treatment benefits while ensuring sustained relief for patients undergoing therapy.
When to Seek Additional Treatment Options
It is important to remember that while TMS therapy is a highly effective treatment option for relieving depression symptoms for many patients, it may not work for everyone. If you notice that after the standard 30-40 sessions, your TMS therapy isn’t leading to a significant improvement in symptoms, it is recommended to consider alternative or supplementary treatment options. Patients who do not respond to TMS should discuss with their healthcare provider to explore other options that may better suit their individual needs for relief from treatment-resistant depression.
Some potential alternatives to TMS therapy include modifying medications or trying different combinations, engaging in psychotherapy such as CBT or IPT, undergoing ECT procedures, using tDCS techniques, receiving ketamine infusions, or considering DBS methods. It is important for patients to work closely with their healthcare providers in determining the most suitable approach based on factors such as symptom severity and duration, medication history, and any co-existing mental health conditions, including PTSD. Settling for partially effective treatments with intolerable side effects is discouraged. Instead, physicians advise patients to explore new treatment approaches through collaboration.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does TMS help permanently?
For a significant number of people, TMS is not considered a long-term solution for depressive symptoms. Although it can provide temporary relief lasting several months post-treatment, the benefits are not considered permanent.
How often do you need to get TMS?
The standard schedule for TMS treatments involves five sessions per week that are 20-40 minutes each and last six to seven weeks. Many patients report that this time commitment passes quickly.
What happens if you stop TMS?
Discontinuing TMS treatment before completion may result in inadequate and temporary relief of depressive symptoms, as well as a reduced likelihood for sustained improvement.
What is the success rate of TMS?
TMS has a success rate ranging from 70% to 80%, and about half of all patients undergoing treatment report complete remission after one session. This indicates that the majority of individuals receiving TMS therapy experience some level of relief.
What is the role of brain mapping in TMS therapy?
Brain mapping is crucial in administering TMS therapy as it allows for accurate pinpointing of particular areas within the brain. This precise targeting ultimately leads to a higher level of effectiveness and success in treatment.
Final Thoughts
The use of Deep TMS therapy has shown promising outcomes in the pursuit of improving mental wellness for those diagnosed with major depressive disorder (MDD) and obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). On average, individuals can expect to experience relief from symptoms for a duration of six to 12 months. This timeline may differ based on factors such as age, initial response to treatment, severity of depression or OCD, concurrent use of antidepressants, and continued maintenance treatments. Many major insurance providers offer coverage for Deep TMS therapy. It is important to closely work with healthcare professionals if exploring alternative treatment options due to lackluster results or failure to achieve remission from MDD or OCD through this method.
[1] https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25271871/
[2] https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/20663568/
[3] https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34878347/
[4] https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fnhum.2021.805971/full
[5] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6797004/