How Long Does TMS Take to Work for Depression?
Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS)
Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) is a promising therapy for the treatment of symptoms of mental illnesses like depression and anxiety. Its use in the treatment of depression, when other treatments and medications have failed, has received widespread attention.
Nonetheless, for any mental health patient considering TMS treatment, questions about the procedure, such as how many TMS treatment sessions are required to treat depression symptoms, linger in the mind.
How long will it be before TMS treatment for depression takes effect? How long will the effects of TMS treatment for depression last?
How Many TMS Treatment Sessions are Needed to Work for Depression?
A typical TMS for depression treatment sessions lasts between 16 and 40 minutes, depending on the patient's condition and treatment plan. It is administered once a day, Monday through Friday, for six weeks.
TMS treatment sessions can also vary in length depending on the TMS coil used and the number of pulses delivered.
TMS works relatively quickly in comparison to most antidepressants, which typically take about six weeks to show results. Patients report mood changes beginning as early as the first week of treatment.
How Long until the TMS Treatment Works for Depression?
The time it takes for TMS treatment to work for depression varies depending on the patient's condition. Every patient is unique, and his or her reactions to treatment differ. Some patients may notice minor changes after one week, others after two weeks, and still others after four to five weeks.
The first cycle of TMS treatment sessions is typically five days per week for four to six weeks. After the first cycle, the sessions are gradually reduced until the TMS doctors or TMS center healthcare professionals advise you to stop.
If the first cycle of TMS treatment sessions does not produce the desired results, the patient may proceed to the next cycle of TMS treatment. Typically, the next cycle of treatment requires the patient to attend treatment two or three days per week instead of five.
The time it takes for TMS to work for depression is generally determined by the individual patient's brain chemistry. It has been established that younger patients benefit from TMS treatment more quickly than older patients. This could be due to the fact that younger people's brains adapt to changes faster than older people's brains.
Most TMS providers report that TMS has a success rate of between 70% and 80%, with approximately 50% of people experiencing complete remission after just one course of TMS treatment.
How Long do the Effects of TMS for Depression Treatment Last?
Every patient suffering from depression has unique factors influencing their depression. Given this, there is no definitive answer to the question of how long the results of TMS for depression treatment will last. Most patients who complete the full course of TMS treatment for depression, on the other hand, experience improvement in their depression symptoms for a period of six months to a year or more.
Need Help with TMS?
More information about TMS for depression treatment can be found by searching the Internet using terms like "TMS therapy near me" and "Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation near me," and reading to find out who is offering what TMS treatment services near you.
You can also reach out to Roots TMS by calling them at 562-268-5813. Toots TMS provides cutting-edge treatment to help people improve their well-being and regain control of their lives, and has professional TMS doctors that will be happy to help you with your questions about TMS for depression.