One of the biggest challenges in treating mental health conditions is the time it takes for traditional therapies to show results. First-line treatments like medication and therapy often require weeks before symptom relief is felt, leaving individuals waiting for improvement when they need help the most. Fortunately, accelerated TMS (aTMS) is a newer option to consider as it seeks to close this gap in treatment. Here are some of the benefits of accelerated TMS therapy.
Accelerated TMS (aTMS) takes the benefits of traditional transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) and condenses them into a faster, more efficient treatment plan. By offering multiple sessions per day, it’s designed to shorten the overall treatment time while still delivering results.
Just like traditional TMS, aTMS uses noninvasive magnetic pulses to stimulate certain areas of the brain. More specifically, these pulses target the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC), which is the brain region thought to contribute to depression and anxiety.
Accelerated TMS is structured with parameters like session frequency, pulse counts, and breaks that are customized to fit the needs of each patient. Here’s a closer look at how aTMS works:
Components of Accelerated TMS | Details |
Treatment Parameters | High- or low-frequency repetitive TMS (rTMS); breaks between trains range from 0 to 30 minutes, and breaks between sessions range from 10 to 50 minutes or longer |
Number of Treatment Days | 2 to 30 days |
Number of Sessions Per Day | 2 to 10 sessions daily |
Number of Pulses Per Session | 600 to 1,800 pulses |
Stimulation Conditions | Delivered during rest, in response to specific symptoms, or combined with therapy/medications |
Concurrent Treatments | Can be used alone, with ongoing treatments, or combined with therapy or medications |
While both traditional and accelerated TMS use the same technique of magnetic brain stimulation, the biggest difference is their schedules and treatment timelines.
In the United States, traditional TMS typically involves one treatment session per day for 36 sessions over 8-10 weeks. Each session lasts 15-20 minutes. This gradual treatment approach allows symptoms to be managed steadily over time, but requires a significant time commitment from patients. This can be challenging for those with busy schedules or those who have limited access to treatment centers.
On the other hand, aTMS compresses the treatment timelines. Based on the Stanford Accelerated Intelligent Neuromodulation Therapy (SAINT) protocol, this method shows promising results, including high remission rates in various studies. In fact, accelerated TMS can result in similar or even better outcomes in just five days with multiple daily sessions.
aTMS is a breakthrough in mental health treatment. By condensing what would traditionally take weeks into just days, this therapy opens up new possibilities for individuals seeking fast relief from depression and other mental health conditions. Here are some of the benefits of accelerated TMS.
One of the benefits of aTMS is how quickly it can deliver symptom relief compared to other treatments. Studies have shown that patients receiving twice-daily rTMS see improvements in half the time of those receiving once-daily sessions. For example, an accelerated protocol that was tested by researchers applied 15 rTMS sessions over two days and observed noticeable antidepressant effects as early as day 3.
Unlike some other brain stimulation therapies, aTMS does not require anesthesia or sedation, which means patients stay awake and fully alert throughout the session. Individuals are able to return to their day-to-day tasks immediately afterward with no recovery time needed. This makes it a great alternative for those who are looking for relief without invasive procedures or lengthy recovery times.
aTMS is generally considered a safe treatment with minimal side effects. The most common side effects are mild and localized, such as temporary scalp discomfort or a mild headache during or after treatment. These reactions are often short-lived and go away on their own without needing additional intervention.
In contrast, while medications like antidepressants are often considered the first line of treatment for depression, they can cause a range of side effects because they affect the entire body. They may be effective for some, but these medications can be challenging for others. Here are some common antidepressant side effects:
Additionally, many patients on antidepressants may experience tolerance over time, meaning the medication becomes less effective as the brain adapts. This requires increasing the dosage or switching to a different drug, which can cause additional side effects or complications.
With aTMS, tolerance is considered much less likely to happen compared to medication. As a result, his treatment provides a more consistent and reliable long-term solution for individuals needing mental health support.
Another benefit of accelerated TMS is its ability to improve brain connectivity, especially through something called accelerated intermittent Theta Burst Stimulation (iTBS). By targeting the DLPFC, aTMS stimulates neural circuits that play a role in mood regulation. This results in improved brain activity patterns that closely resemble those of healthy individuals. Research shows that these connectivity improvements are not only related to better treatment outcomes, but also last for at least a month after treatment ends.
Accelerated TMS has been shown to have better response and remission rates compared to other treatments like medication. For example, studies on accelerated deep TMS using the H1 coil report an 80% response rate and a 51% remission rate.
In comparison, antidepressant medications often require trial and error to find one that works. Data from a recent study shows that fewer than 30% of patients respond to the first medication, and only 36% achieve full remission after several attempts. Each additional trial reduces the chances of success and increases the risk of side effects.
aTMS may be a good choice if you’re struggling to find success with traditional treatments like medication or standard TMS. It’s designed for people who need a faster, more efficient way to manage major depressive disorder. It may also be a good fit if you can’t tolerate medication due to side effects or if you prefer a non-invasive, drug-free treatment.
Accelerated TMS is changing the way we approach mental health treatment and offers a faster path to relief that fits into your life. With its non-invasive approach and minimal side effects, it’s a treatment that’s designed to work for you when other options haven’t.
If you’re ready to experience the benefits of accelerated TMS, reach out today. Let’s talk about how this therapy can help you take back control and start feeling like yourself again.
Determining if TMS therapy suits your mental health journey should involve consultation with a qualified professional. At Cura Behavioral Health, we provide comprehensive assessments to help you make informed treatment decisions.
Don’t let a mental health condition hold you back any longer. Schedule a consultation with Cura Behavioral Health today. Our experienced team is ready to answer your questions and create a personalized treatment plan tailored to your unique needs.
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Dr. Kevin Simonson, an esteemed Medical Director at Cura Behavioral Health, brings over 15 years of experience in psychiatry. A graduate from a top medical school, he specializes in the treatment of mood disorders and anxiety, employing a patient-centered approach. His dedication to evidence-based care and his commitment to advancing mental health practices have made him a respected figure in the field. Dr. Simonson’s leadership ensures the highest standard of care for the community at Cura Behavioral Health.
