Exploring Next Steps: What If TMS Doesn't Work for Your Depression?

If TMS does not work for your depression, there is still hope. At Plus by APN, we offer a range of modern mental health treatment strategies for depression that may provide you with long-expected relief. In this article, we will provide you with expert insights into why TMS may not have been effective and offer a thoughtful exploration of evidence-based alternatives that could make a difference in your mental health recovery.

Key Takeaways

Deep transcranial magnetic stimulation (deep TMS) is an FDA-approved treatment for various conditions such as major depression, OCD, and smoking cessation6, leveraging neuroplasticity to stimulate nerve cell recovery.
For individuals for whom TMS is not effective, Plus by APN offers alternative treatments, including medication management, ketamine therapy, psychiatry, and therapy, among others.
At Plus by APN, we ensure accessibility to our mental health services by offering telehealth services to help you access our expert mental health care services.

Why TMS Therapy May Not Work for Your Depression Treatment

Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) is a promising treatment for depression, but it does not work for everyone. One primary reason TMS might be ineffective is the complexity and heterogeneity of depression itself. Depression can manifest differently across individuals, and factors like the specific type of depression, severity, and comorbid conditions such as anxiety or bipolar disorder can influence TMS outcomes.

For instance, misdiagnosis can lead to ineffective treatment. Additionally, individuals with treatment-resistant depression (TRD) often have a more severe form of depression that may not respond well to TMS alone.

Moreover, certain physiological factors can impede the effectiveness of TMS. For example, the precise targeting of the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC) is crucial for the success of TMS1. If the magnetic coil is not accurately positioned, the treatment may not effectively stimulate the appropriate brain regions.

Also, structural brain abnormalities or differences in brain connectivity can result in variable responses to TMS2. Furthermore, patients who have metallic implants in or around their heads, a history of seizures, or severe headaches may not be suitable candidates for TMS, thereby limiting its efficacy3.

If TMS therapy proves ineffective, it is important to consult with your healthcare providers to explore alternative treatments or to reassess the initial diagnosis to ensure appropriate treatment pathways are pursued.

When TMS Therapy Doesn’t Yield Results: What to Do

Despite its reputation for effectiveness, TMS therapy is not universally successful. While it offers remarkable relief for individuals with treatment-resistant depression, OCD, and other mental health conditions, it may not work for everyone.

When TMS therapy does not produce the expected results, it may signify a need to change the treatment strategy. At Plus by APN, we offer multiple treatment modalities for treatment-resistant depression, starting with an in-depth consultation to determine what works best for you.

Five Alternative Depression Treatment Strategies After TMS

When TMS therapy does not produce the anticipated outcomes, here are some other treatments that may work:

Deep TMS
Ketamine treatment therapy
Neurofeedback and qEEG
Psychiatry and medication management
Therapy

These alternatives each bring distinct benefits and can be customized to match your needs and conditions.

1. Deep TMS Therapy

Deep transcranial magnetic stimulation (Deep TMS) is an advanced form of TMS therapy that targets deeper brain structures to treat depression, OCD, and other conditions. Using an H-coil helmet, deep TMS stimulates broader and deeper areas of the brain4. This method has shown a high success rate, with studies indicating that up to 81.6% of patients with major depression achieve clinical response5.

Deep TMS is noninvasive and typically involves daily sessions of about 20 minutes over six to eight weeks. Many patients experience significant improvements even after other treatments have failed.

Benefits and Advantages of Deep TMS

FDA-approved for multiple conditions6.
Non-invasive with minimal side effects.
Effective for treatment-resistant depression.
Short, manageable sessions.
Enhances mood and cognitive function.

At Plus by APN, we offer personalized deep TMS treatments tailored to your specific needs. Our expert team conducts thorough assessments to design customized treatment plans, ensuring the best possible outcomes. Experience the benefits of deep TMS at our state-of-the-art facilities and take the first step towards lasting mental health. Call us at (877) 507-7675 or book a free consultation online today.

Deep TMS For Depression at Plus by APN

Deep transcranial magnetic stimulation is an innovative treatment approved by the FDA for:

Major depression
Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)
Anxious depression
Assistance with quitting smoking

This treatment method uses the H1 coil, which is specifically designed for deep brain stimulation7. This coil is aimed at the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC) with higher intensity to modulate larger prefrontal cortex regions and their networks. This modulation has the potential to influence the subgenual anterior cingulate cortex via these pathways. By employing this approach, the therapy effectively activates nerve cells and supports their restoration and improved functionality.

At Plus by APN, we offer a deep TMS treatment regimen for depression. The duration of the treatment ranges between six to eight weeks, with sessions lasting approximately 20 minutes each. The application of brain mapping in conjunction with magnetic pulses holds the potential to repair and fortify emotional well-being as well as cognitive health.

Our Approach to Mental Health Care at Plus by APN

Our commitment is to adopt cutting-edge medical strategies to provide our patients with optimal healthcare services. In addressing mental health, our strategy includes designing custom treatment programs that reflect each person’s unique journey. We ensure these strategies are supported by the most recent insights from mental health research and enhance personalized therapies with a comprehensive approach that includes both interventional psychiatry and cutting-edge medical practices.

Our expansive reach includes numerous locations throughout the United States and the United Kingdom, including Boulder, Denver, Dallas, Fort Worth, Edwards Malibu, and London. This ensures our clients have easy access to our offerings. Schedule your consultation today!

2. Ketamine Treatment Therapy

Ketamine treatment therapy has gained significant attention as a rapid-acting antidepressant for patients with treatment-resistant depression. Unlike traditional antidepressants that target serotonin, norepinephrine, or dopamine, ketamine operates on the glutamate system. Specifically, it blocks the NMDA receptor, increasing the release of glutamate, which enhances synaptic plasticity and connectivity in the brain8. This unique mechanism allows ketamine to produce antidepressant effects within hours, a stark contrast to the weeks required for conventional medications.

Studies have shown ketamine’s efficacy in significantly reducing depressive symptoms, with response rates ranging from 50% to 70% in patients who have not responded to other treatments9. Research published in the American Journal of Psychiatry highlights that ketamine infusions can lead to rapid improvements in mood, with sustained effects lasting from days to weeks10. However, repeated sessions are often necessary to maintain these benefits.

Advantages of Ketamine Treatment

Rapid onset of antidepressant effects.
Effective for treatment-resistant depression.
It can reduce suicidal ideation quickly11.
Enhances synaptic plasticity and brain connectivity.
Provides a new avenue for patients unresponsive to other treatments.

3. Neurofeedback and qEEG

Neurofeedback, combined with quantitative electroencephalography (qEEG), is a non-invasive treatment approach that trains individuals to regulate their brainwave activity. qEEG is used to map brain function, identifying patterns associated with depression12. Neurofeedback then provides real-time feedback to help patients modify these patterns13. By promoting healthier brainwave activity, this technique aims to alleviate symptoms of depression.

Research has demonstrated the potential of neurofeedback in reducing depressive symptoms14. Success rates vary, but many patients experience substantial benefits.

Benefits of Neurofeedback and qEEG

Non-invasive and drug-free.
Personalized treatment based on individual brain activity.
It can improve mood and cognitive function.
Reduces symptoms of depression through brainwave regulation.
It offers an alternative for patients who prefer non-pharmacological treatments.

4. Psychiatry and Medication Management

Psychiatry and medication management remain cornerstone treatments for depression. Psychiatrists are trained to diagnose mental health conditions and prescribe medications tailored to individual needs.

Common depression medications include selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs), and atypical antidepressants. These drugs work by altering neurotransmitter levels in the brain to improve mood and alleviate depressive symptoms.

The success of medication management depends on finding the right medication and dosage for each patient. Studies have shown that about 40-60% of patients respond to antidepressants, though it may take several weeks to see full benefits15. Medication management often involves ongoing adjustments and close monitoring by a psychiatrist to optimize treatment efficacy and minimize side effects.

5. Therapy

Therapy, particularly cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), is a widely used treatment for depression. CBT focuses on identifying and changing negative thought patterns and behaviors that contribute to depressive symptoms. Patients learn coping strategies, problem-solving skills, and techniques to challenge and modify distorted thinking through structured sessions.

Research supports the effectiveness of therapy in treating depression, with studies finding that CBT is as effective as medication for many patients16. Therapy can also be combined with other treatments, such as medication or TMS, to enhance overall outcomes.

Advantages of Therapy

Addresses underlying cognitive and behavioral issues.
Teaches practical skills for managing depression.
Can be as effective as medication for many patients.
Long-lasting benefits.
Enhances overall treatment when combined with other modalities.

Here at Plus by APN, we offer personalized treatment options for depression. We also provide telehealth services so you can access expert treatment from your home. Schedule your consultation today.

Measuring the Effectiveness of Deep TMS

Deep transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) has effectively addressed multiple disorders. The advantages noted are as follows:

A remission rate of up to 65.3% for individuals with major depression5.
Response rates reaching up to 60% for obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)17.
Patients suffering from anxious depression find considerable alleviation of symptoms18.
Enhanced success rates in smoking cessation over four months when utilizing the BrainsWay deep TMS protocol19.

When it comes to ameliorating symptoms of depression, including particularly severe cases, patient outcomes can differ widely. While some may see their condition go into remission by the fourth week of receiving treatment20, others might have different timelines and degrees of response.

Choose Plus by APN for personalized mental health care today. Choose from face-to-face sessions at our clinic or engage via telehealth options. We will tailor your treatment to be unique to your medical history, experience, and expectations. Schedule your consultation today.

Frequently Asked Questions

What conditions can deep TMS treat?

FDA has sanctioned deep TMS for the treatment of major depression, OCD (obsessive-compulsive disorder), anxiety depression, and as an assistance in quitting smoking6.

How long does deep TMS treatment take?

The treatment involving deep transcranial magnetic stimulation (deep TMS) might last six to eight weeks, with each session lasting 20 minutes daily.

How effective is deep TMS for depression?

Up to 65.3% of patients attain remission using deep TMS as a treatment for depression, proving its effectiveness.

How long does it take to see improvements with deep TMS?

For those undergoing deep TMS, the timeline for observing enhancements in their condition can differ from person to person. In cases of depression, certain individuals may reach a state of remission as early as the conclusion of the fourth week.

Final Thoughts

At Plus by APN, we deliver personalized mental health care tailored to our patients. We offer an assortment of pioneering treatments, such as deep TMS, and adopt a holistic strategy while emphasizing both accessibility and adaptability to ensure we deliver wide-ranging mental health remedies specially designed for your requirements. Remember that your journey toward mental well-being is important, and our mission is to support you at every stage. Contact us today to schedule our consultation.

Exploring Next Steps: What If TMS Doesn’t Work for Your Depression?