What is Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS)?

TMS is an effective process in which a focused magnetic field stimulates under-active brain cells, activates them to work more efficiently and transforms lives through symptom reduction.

What is Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) used for?

TMS is particularly effective when used to treat depression, anxiety and burnout that has not fully responded to conventional treatments (medication/therapy).

I am already prescribed medication or undertaking therapy. Will I need to stop these?

No. TMS is primarily recommended for treatment resistant illness and in that context, is intended to be an adjunctive (additional) treatment. That being said, given repose rates and tolerability, increasingly clients are opting for TMS earlier in the course of their illness prior to trying medication. While receiving TMS, we would ask that no medication changes be undertaken if at all possible. For those that thereafter achieve either complete remission or significant improvement, it is important that any changes to medication proceed under the supervision of your usual treating team.

Is TMS the same as Electro Convulsive Therapy (ECT)?

TMS

• Hospital admission not required (out-patient)

Who is suitable TMS candidate and who is not?

An individual may be suitable for TMS if he or she:

• has a diagnosis of depression (especially treatment resistant depression)

How many treatment should a patient receive?

The average number of treatment sessions is 30 over a period of two weeks.

How long do the benefits of TMS last?

This ultimately depends on the individual. Patients commonly report sustained improvement several months following treatment. For some in whom depressive symptoms recur, an individualised maintenance program can maintain recovery without having to repeat the initial induction course.

How long is an individual session and what is the patient's experience with it?

Once assessed and the appropriate treatment protocol is determined, the treatment session typically lasts less than 5 minutes. This is achieved using a revolutionary software upgrade to the treatment called ‘Theta Burst Stimulation (TBS) which allows us to administer three rapid treatment sessions in a single 15 minute appointment. As a consequence, the total treatment course can be completed from Mon-Friday over ten working days. Clients are at all times sitting comfortably and alert. For this reason we encourage individuals to engage with therapy whilst receiving their treatment. During treatment the magnetic coil is suspended over the appropriate region of the person’s scalp. The client perceives a series of clicking noises followed by a pause as the magnet rapidly turns on and off gently pulsating activating energy to the desired brain region. Following treatment, the client can immediately resume daily activities.

What is Treatment Resistant Depression (TRD)?

Treatment resistant depression (TRD) is depression that has failed to respond in any meaningful way to conventional treatment (medication/psychological therapy). Depression itself is a complex illness that can diminish a person’s enjoyment or engagement with his/her loved ones, friends, education or career. In addition to the psychological feelings of despair and guilt, it can have a physical basis and adversely affect one’s sleep pattern, energy levels and sex drive, as well as other symptoms such as muscle pain. For some, coping with this illness can become difficult and they can become hopeless, even suicidal. For these reasons, the World Health Organisation recognises depression as the illness with the greatest morbidity. TMS is helping to turn treatment resistance into recovery attainment.

Is the treatment well-tolerated?

Is TMS safe?

Yes! It is approved by Health Canada (2005), Food and Drug Administration (FDA), United States (2008) and the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE), United Kingdom (2015).

What does the research indicate?

To date over 100 peer reviewed publications investigating TMS in depression, including three multicentered randomised sham controlled trials, have been completed. The evidence is consistent regarding the effectiveness and safety of TMS in depression (Clinical TMS Consensus Review 2016).

Is TMS New?

The core scientific principles of TMS (electromagnetic induction) are well established. Research into its physiological/clinical applications began in the 1980s leading to its approval by Health Canada (2002), as a safe and effective treatment for depression. Since it received FDA approval in the United States, TMS is now covered by insurance policies in 41 of 50 states. TMS is now covered by insurance in all 50 States in the United Sates’. In Canada some insurance companies consider part payment of the treatment on a case by case basis.