More Evidence in Support of TMS Therapy for Treatment-Resistant Depression

Depressive disorders are some of the most commonly diagnosed mental disorders in the United States. While most people may respond to a combination of treatments, including medication, talk therapy and holistic approaches, some may have a difficult time managing their depression.

Treatment-resistant depression is a type of depressive disorder that does not respond to other traditional forms of treatment. While treatment-resistant depression is challenging to address, transcranial magnetic stimulation may provide substantial relief.

Recent trials have indicated that TMS therapy may be helpful in the fight against treatment-resistant depression, alleviating bothersome symptoms while improving quality of life.

What Is Treatment-Resistant Depression?

“Treatment resistance” is a common term for a multitude of difficult-to-treat psychiatric conditions. Studies show that treatment resistance may affect anywhere between 20% and 60% of all patients diagnosed with psychiatric disorders.

To receive a “treatment resistant” diagnosis, a medical professional must confirm a correct diagnosis and that the patient received adequate treatment for their condition. Additionally, symptoms must still be present with little to no relief despite treatment.

If you are struggling to find a depression treatment that works for you, don’t lose hope. Most people eventually find an approach that successfully alleviates their symptoms. TMS therapy may be a viable option for your treatment-resistant depression.

Depression and How It Affects Your Brain

Depression impairs your memory as well as your ability to process information. When you’re depressed, you may find it more difficult to adapt to sudden changes in your schedule and concentrate on daily tasks. The structures in your brain that are most affected by depression are the following:

TMS can help break the cycle of depression by altering dysfunctional brain patterns through electromagnetic currents.

Through TMS therapy, you can address these structural changes in the brain in a gentle, noninvasive manner. This innovative therapeutic modality can lead to a reduction in your depression symptoms while improving your quality of life.

How Does TMS Therapy for Treatment-Resistant Depression Work?

Repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) is a noninvasive method of brain stimulation that uses short bursts of magnetic pulses to stimulate activity in the nerve cells within particular regions of the brain.

By mapping out brain activity and applying magnetic pulses, users experience decreased depression symptoms. Usually, TMS therapy is completed over several sessions so clients receive the full benefits.

Long-Term Benefits

TMS therapy is becoming more widely accepted as a viable option for treatment-resistant depression. It may even produce long-term benefits for those with significant symptoms. A clinical trial from the University of Nottingham studied “whether the effects of using TMS could be extended to at least six months” through the use of one to two courses of treatment.

Over two-thirds of participants with treatment-resistant depression responded to treatment. Furthermore, an additional third of participants experienced a 50 percent improvement in their symptoms, and another fifth were able to move into remission.

This significant response rate lends support for TMS therapy’s effect on long-term relief of depression symptoms. It is encouraging for those who have difficulty finding a viable solution for severe depression.

A 2024 study also aimed to demonstrate the efficacy of TMS therapy on subjects with major depressive disorder. This multi-site, eight-week randomized trial compared three treatment modalities, including two classes of antidepressant drugs and rTMS (repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation) treatments.

This study aimed to determine “if there is a greater reduction in depressive symptoms following rTMS augmentation than switching to venlafaxine XR or duloxetine.” In an article for LinkedIn, Paul Fitzgerald, the head of the School of Medicine and Psychology at Australian National University, writes that this study “also supports other studies which have suggested that TMS is a safe and mostly well-tolerated treatment.”

The results indicated support for rTMS augmentation over switching antidepressants for patients within this study, specifically those with major depressive disorder. Adding rTMS therapy to their treatment protocol had a moderate to significant effect on depressive symptoms among many participants. Therefore, when individuals with more severe forms of depression take part in TMS therapy, they may experience more symptom relief and better chances for remission.

How Long Can Results of Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation Last?

The length of a full course of treatment depends on your specific protocol. If you respond well to treatments, you may enjoy up to up to a year of remission following a course of TMS. You may decide to schedule additional treatments as necessary for maintenance reasons.

Is TMS Therapy Right for Me?

TMS therapy is a safe and highly effective treatment protocol for many conditions. You may benefit from this form of treatment if you:

  • Have a diagnosis of major depressive disorder.
  • Haven’t found relief in traditional medication and therapeutic modalities in spite of trying several already.
  • You cannot tolerate the side effects of your current medications.
  • Your symptoms of anxiety and depression are significantly interfering with your life.
  • You want a non-invasive solution for treatment-resistant depression.

TMS therapy can provide relief for depression symptoms and enhance your quality of life. However, there are some situations in which this form of treatment is not recommended. You may not be a candidate for TMS if:

  • You have implants such as pacemakers and vagus nerve stimulators.
  • You have a history of head injury, epilepsy or other serious neurological issues.
  • You have implanted metallic devices in or around your head.

Ready to Get The Help You Need?

We understand how difficult it is to enjoy life when you’re struggling with depression or other diagnoses.

If you are unsure whether you are a good candidate for transcranial magnetic stimulation and are searching for “TMS therapy near me,” schedule a consultation with the TMS Institute of Arizona today. Our team is available to answer any additional questions to help you decide if this treatment is right for you.