A recent study published in the Journal of Psychiatric Research examines the “safety, efficacy, and parameter space” of accelerated transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS). This is a method of repetitive TMS that is “accelerated” by having patients undergo 2+ stimulation sessions per day. The researchers undertook a three-part review using the PubMed database to find studies that involved accelerated TMS. In total, 85 such studies encompassing 18 diagnostic and control groups were published between 2001 – 2022. They excluded “doubled” populations to include 63 studies. These studies delivered a total of 43,873 sessions using a variety of frequencies on 1,543 patients.
In regards to safety, all studies had similar side effect rates. There was just one seizure reported in the overview. The most common side effects are in keeping with what is known of TMS side effects, such as short-term headaches, fatigue, and scalp discomfort. The team looked at the efficacy of TMS in 23 different depression studies, which is the condition that is most prevalent in all studies, and discovered that there was an average response rate of over 42 percent and remission of 28.4 percent. In total, the studies ranged from 2 – 10 sessions each day for 2 – 30 treatment days. There was an average of 10 – 640 minutes between sessions and 9 – 104 accelerated TMS sessions per participant on average. This includes tapering sessions. “Response rate tends to be higher with an increasing number of sessions per day, total sessions, and total pulses,” says the researchers.
Is TMS for You?
According to the investigative team,
The literature to date suggests that aTMS is safe and well-tolerated across conditions. Taken together, these early studies suggest potential effectiveness even in highly treatment refractory conditions with the added potential to reduce patient burden while also expediting response time…[aTMS] warrants further investigation. Systematically optimizing stimulation parameters promises to further improve and disseminate aTMS as a treatment option.
Oftentimes, all types of TMS are recommended for those struggling with a variety of mood disorders such as depression, anxiety, PTSD, and OCD that are not finding the success they want in more traditional approaches. Some people pursue TMS as a tool for helping to wean off of or avoid medications, while others use it as a complement to prescription medications. Never stop or change a prescription drug without first discussing this with your prescribing doctor.
Co-Morbidities of Depression
Depression and major depressive disorder (MDD) with suicidal ideation is one of the most common disorders treated by TMS. However, depression also has a host of co-morbidities including eating disorders, anxiety, and insomnia. Many of these co-morbidities can also be helped with TMS. Since TMS works by manipulating areas of the brain that affect mood and feelings, by positively shifting these emotions you may also be able to get other conditions under control. For instance, when depression is managed with TMS, you might find that your depression-induced insomnia is also alleviated.
Depression and anxiety are common bedmates, and both are often treated with TMS. The two overlap in many ways, but are also contrary on other levels. This can make the two difficult to treat via medications, particularly for those who want a more natural approach, but it is relatively simple with all forms of TMS.
Accelerated TMS has repeatedly shown to be as effective—or even better—than standard TMS. However, do keep in mind that accelerated and express TMS treatments are not covered by insurance policies whereas standard TMS typically is covered. This is a factor to consider. On the other hand, many people who are not local to the Institute may benefit from a more condensed therapy timeline.
Scheduling Your TMS Appointment
If you are challenged by mental health disorders, chronic headaches, need help with addiction or smoking cessation, or struggle with a myriad of other conditions ranging from fibromyalgia to Parkinson’s disease, TMS may be able to help. Schedule your consultation to start your journey today. We are also one of the few clinics in the area to offer the FDA-approved Spravato nasal spray for MDD. Call the TMS Institute of Arizona today or simply complete the online contact form now.
