If you are looking into the TMS experience, you probably want to understand what TMS involves and how it may feel. If you are seeking insights into both the practical process and the emotional journey of undergoing brain stimulation therapy, we have prepared this article to provide a detailed look at TMS, from your first appointment to the end of your treatment, based on factual data. Keep reading to learn more.

Key Takeaways

  • TMS therapy at Plus by APN is a comprehensive and personalized treatment for depression and other mental health conditions, featuring an initial consultation, brain mapping, and a 6-8 week treatment protocol with daily sessions.
  • The effectiveness of Deep TMS therapy is supported by research, with up to 65.3% of patients with depression achieving remission, and improvement is usually noticeable within the first few weeks of treatment.

Your TMS Journey at Plus by APN

We acknowledge that the struggle against anxiety, bipolar disorder, and treatment-resistant depression is a deeply personal experience. This understanding guides our approach to TMS therapy, which is tailored for each individual. Considering each patient’s unique challenges, we offer TMS as a carefully designed intervention to recalibrate the delicate interplay of neurotransmitters in the brain.

It Starts With an Initial Consultation to Craft Your Personalized Treatment Plan

When starting TMS therapy, you will have an initial consultation where you can share your experiences and begin your journey towards recovery. At Plus by APN, the first meeting involves a thorough session with an expert who will determine what you can expect from your treatment and conduct detailed brain mapping to tailor your therapy to your unique needs. This careful preparation ensures that each magnetic pulse delivered during TMS is adjusted to your individual requirements, following current scientific findings to achieve maximum effectiveness. 

After the initial meeting, a personalized treatment plan is created based on your medical history and specific goals.

Deep TMS: The Cutting-Edge Approach

We offer Deep TMS, an innovative technique to address major depressive disorder1 and other mental health conditions. This non-invasive treatment gently activates nerve cells within the brain, focusing on the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex2, which plays a crucial role in our emotional health. Endorsed by FDA approvals for its effectiveness against major depressive disorder, OCD, and assisting individuals with quitting smoking3, Deep TMS is among the cutting-edge treatments available for depression management. It ranks alongside established therapies such as electroconvulsive therapy in combating mental illness.

Duration and Frequency of Treatment

The standard course of TMS treatment at Plus by APN typically lasts 6-8 weeks, with daily TMS therapy sessions over the initial 4-6 weeks. This schedule is designed to maximize the effectiveness of TMS while providing a clear understanding of what to expect during the treatment process.

TMS therapy is based on a scientifically proven method that reflects extensive clinical research and advancements. This treatment focuses on modifying brain activity linked to depression and integrates cutting-edge strategies with a commitment to compassionate care. It aims to address both the symptoms and underlying origins of mental health conditions through targeted TMS pulses.

Remission and Response Rates: The Numbers Speak

The effectiveness of TMS therapy in providing relief from symptoms is supported by data, not just personal accounts. Research indicates that as many as 65.3% of patients experiencing depression who receive Deep TMS treatment attain remission4, with substantial alleviation of symptoms. For individuals dealing with OCD, the response rate reaches 57.9% following a course of 29 treatments5.

This firmly establishes TMS as a significant source of hope for numerous people with mental health challenges. These statistics give concrete evidence to back up the profound impact of TMS as a form of treatment.

Timing of Improvements: When Will You Feel Better?

The road to recovery often leads one to wonder about when relief from depression symptoms will be felt. It is common for many patients undergoing TMS treatment to start noticing signs of symptom improvement relatively soon, within a few weeks of starting treatment. In clinical settings, it has been observed that most patients see their symptoms go into remission by week five6., This progress is an encouraging sign that indicates freedom from depression could be on the horizon.

Payment and Insurance: Understanding the Financial Aspects of TMS

Understanding the financial aspects of the TMS therapy journey is crucial.. At Plus by APN, we provide a variety of options to support your mental health. Some insurance policies cover TMS treatment, and we also offer verification and competitive payment plans to make this transformative therapy accessible for individuals without insurance. Please check with your insurance provider to confirm if TMS therapy coverage is included in your plan.

Beyond Depression: We Also Offer Deep TMS for OCD and Anxiety

Deep TMS therapy at Plus by APN offers a non-drug-related approach to improving one’s mental health. This treatment provides significant relief not only for depression but also for those dealing with mental health issues such as obsessive-compulsive disorder and anxiety. It presents a promising option for individuals facing these challenges.

Our dedication to mental health extends beyond Deep TMS, embracing a comprehensive range of cutting-edge and nurturing treatments, all customized for the patient’s overall well-being within our integrative strategy.

Tips to Prepare for Your First Deep TMS Session

Preparing for your first Deep TMS therapy at Plus by APN is easy. Simple steps like maintaining a consistent sleep routine, avoiding stimulants, and practicing calming strategies can greatly contribute to a positive experience.

How to Prepare for Your Deep TMS Therapy Appointment

Being prepared with a list of questions and achievable goals for your first Deep TMS therapy appointment can help reduce nervousness and make you feel more empowered during your treatment. Taking this initiative will likely result in a more participatory therapy experience, potentially leading to greater success for you.

Your Experience During the Session

At Plus by APN, patients undergoing deep transcranial magnetic stimulation treatment are comfortably seated and remain fully conscious while targeted areas of their brain receive magnetic pulses. This non-invasive procedure stimulates nerve cells, which can alleviate symptoms. Deep TMS therapy aims to effectively activate these nerve cells within the brain to provide relief for patients.

Follow-up Care and Maintenance Sessions

Post-TMS therapy care is essential for maintaining mental health, including regular follow-up visits and possible maintenance treatments as a key to lasting wellness7. Moreover, engaging in activities such as spending time outdoors or reporting any atypical side effects to a healthcare provider are critical steps following TMS that contribute to enduring mental health stability.

Incorporating Lifestyle Changes and Ongoing Support

Adopting wholesome life habits and participating in support groups may be beneficial for preserving the advantages of TMS therapy.

  • Steer clear from quickly resuming strenuous activities
  • Maintain a nutritious diet
  • Participate in regular physical activity
  • Implement mindfulness techniques

Frequently Asked Questions

What exactly is Deep TMS, and how does it work?

Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) is a non-invasive mental health treatment that employs magnetic fields to activate nerve cells in the brain, focusing on areas involved in mood control. This technique aims to mitigate symptoms of various mental health conditions, including depression and OCD, by generating electrical currents within targeted regions of the brain.

How long will I need to undergo Deep TMS treatment?

For optimal results, your Deep TMS (transcranial magnetic stimulation) therapy may require a course of 6-8 weeks, with sessions occurring daily during the initial 4-6 weeks of treatment.

Can Deep TMS help conditions other than depression?

Indeed, Deep TMS has received FDA approval not only for depression but also for other mental health conditions, including OCD, and as a supportive measure in quitting smoking, demonstrating its effectiveness in enhancing diverse aspects of mental health.

What are the chances that I will achieve remission from my depression symptoms with Deep TMS?

Deep TMS has shown considerable promise in alleviating depression symptoms, with as many as 65.3% of patients reaching remission.

Summary

At Plus by APN, our Deep TMS journey embodies scientific innovation, individualized attention, and profound restoration. Beginning with the first consultation and extending beyond therapy with sustained support, patients experience a holistic approach that addresses mental health symptoms, fostering rejuvenated optimism and energy. This dedication to modern mental healthcare is evident through our integrated care and commitment to transformative wellness in mental health. Contact us today to schedule a personalized consultation.

References

  1. Roth, Yiftach, et al. “Real World Efficacy and Safety of Various Accelerated Deep TMS Protocols for Major Depression.” Psychiatry Research, vol. 328, 2023, p. 115482, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.psychres.2023.115482. Accessed 10 Sept. 2024.
  2. Levkovitz, Yechiel et al. “Efficacy and safety of deep transcranial magnetic stimulation for major depression: a prospective multicenter randomized controlled trial.” World psychiatry : official journal of the World Psychiatric Association (WPA) vol. 14,1 (2015): 64-73. doi:10.1002/wps.20199
  3. “What Mental Health Conditions Is Deep TMS FDA-Cleared To Treat?” BrainsWay, 12 Sept. 2023, www.brainsway.com/professionals-faqs/what-mental-health-conditions-is-deep-tms-fda-cleared-to-treat/.
  4. Tendler, Aron, et al. “Deep TMS H1 Coil Treatment for Depression: Results from a Large Post Marketing Data Analysis.” Psychiatry Research, vol. 324, 2023, p. 115179, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.psychres.2023.115179. Accessed 10 Sept. 2024.
  5. Roth, Yiftach et al. “Real-world efficacy of deep TMS for obsessive-compulsive disorder: Post-marketing data collected from twenty-two clinical sites.” Journal of psychiatric research vol. 137 (2021): 667-672. doi:10.1016/j.jpsychires.2020.11.009
  6. Feifel, David, and Katherine Pappas. “Treating Clinical Depression with Repetitive Deep Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation Using the Brainsway H1-coil.” Journal of visualized experiments : JoVE ,116 53858. 4 Oct. 2016, doi:10.3791/53858
  7. Asir, Bashar et al. “Is maintenance needed for patients who responded to acute TMS therapy?.” Revista brasileira de psiquiatria (Sao Paulo, Brazil : 1999) vol. 45,6 (2023): 467-469. doi:10.47626/1516-4446-2023-0052