Written By: Eric Tirrell, BA, TMS Clinic and Neuromodulation Research Operations Manager, Butler Hospital on May 9, 2022
Originally Published May 2022
Depression can affect every part of your life, including your mood, energy, sleep, concentration, relationships, work, and your ability to enjoy everyday activities. While psychotherapy and antidepressant medications help many people, they don't work well enough for everyone. Some people also experience side effects that make medications difficult to continue. When that happens, it's important to know there are other treatment options.
What is Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS)
Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) is a noninvasive treatment that uses focused magnetic pulses to stimulate areas of the brain involved in mood regulation. Unlike Electroconvulsive Therapy (ECT), standard TMS does not require anesthesia or cause a seizure. You'll remain awake during treatment, can drive yourself to and from appointments, and can usually return to your normal activities right afterward.
What to Expect During a TMS Treatment Course
A traditional course of TMS is typically given Monday through Friday for about six to nine weeks. Depending on the treatment plan, each session lasts up to about 30 minutes. Some people may also be candidates for an accelerated treatment schedule, which provides multiple sessions in a single day. Eligibility and insurance coverage for accelerated TMS vary, so your care team can help you understand the options available to you.
How TMS Has Evolved and What It Can Treat
TMS has continued to evolve since the first device was FDA cleared to treat depression in 2008. Today, different TMS devices are FDA cleared for several conditions, including Major Depressive Disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), smoking cessation, and as an add-on treatment for Major Depressive Disorder in adolescents ages 15 to 21. Researchers are also studying more personalized treatment approaches, long-term maintenance strategies, and the use of TMS for other neurological and psychiatric conditions.
TMS at Butler Hospital and the BRaIN Program
Butler Hospital launched its clinical TMS program in 2009 and has remained at the forefront of neuromodulation research. Today, TMS is part of Butler's Brain Research and Interventional Neurotherapeutics (BRaIN) Program, which combines innovative clinical care with research to help people who have not found enough relief with standard treatments.
What Results to Expect and How to Get Started
While TMS is not a cure and results vary from person to person, many people experience meaningful improvements in their depression symptoms, daily functioning, and overall quality of life. A consultation can help determine whether TMS may be right for you. During your evaluation, your care team will review your medical history, discuss the potential benefits and risks, and develop a personalized treatment plan in collaboration with your current healthcare providers.
To learn more or begin the screening process, contact the Butler Hospital BRaIN Program at (401) 455-6632 or BRAIN@CareNE.org.
TMS Therapy: Depression Today; Remission Tomorrow"
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