If you’re considering transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) for your mental health, you likely have questions about how long TMS results will last. It’s a common concern as investing in any treatment comes with the hope that improvements will stick around.
Fortunately, research consistently shows TMS can provide both immediate relief and lasting benefits. While individual experiences will vary, many patients maintain improvements for months or even years after completing treatment.
According to recent research on TMS, improvements can begin after just a few sessions. In fact, some patients report subtle changes in their mood, energy levels, or thought patterns as early as the first week of treatment. This early response can be encouraging for patients who may have spent months or years trying different medications without relief.
The standard TMS treatment protocol typically involves around 36 sessions administered over several weeks, but this can vary based on your specific needs and response to treatment. Recent clinical studies show that there is a direct correlation between the length of treatment and benefits gained from treatment:
While 36 sessions seems to be the sweet spot for most patients, your doctor might recommend a shorter or longer course based on your situation and how you’re responding to treatment.
Most TMS providers schedule sessions five days a week (Monday through Friday), making it compatible with most work schedules. Each session typically lasts 20-40 minutes, depending on your treatment plan.
As you go through your TMS treatment, you may begin to notice subtle yet meaningful changes. These improvements often appear gradually, and sometimes friends or family members notice them before you do. Here are some signs that your TMS therapy is working for you:
Additionally, better sleep quality has been reported. A recent study published in the Journal of Clinical Sleep Medicine shows that TMS therapy directly improves sleep quality even when depression symptoms continue. This suggests that TMS may influence multiple brain systems at the same time.
TMS offers both immediate symptom relief and long-lasting improvements for different mental health conditions. From rapid mood improvement to sustained brain changes that can improve quality of life, research continues to back up the benefits of TMS therapy.
It’s best to complete a full course of treatment to get the full benefit of TMS therapy; however, you may notice some improvements pretty quickly.
For example:
Not only does TMS have positive effects in the short-term, but it also has long-term benefits. These include:
TMS is not a permanent cure for depression or other mental health conditions, but there are some strategies to extend and maintain the improvements you’ve gotten. Many patients can enjoy lasting benefits for months or even years after their initial treatment course.
Scheduled maintenance sessions can significantly reduce relapse rates in patients with treatment-resistant depression who initially responded well to TMS. Here’s breakdown:
Research also shows that maintenance TMS is cost-effective compared to repeated acute treatment courses, as the total number of sessions needed over a 2-year period is comparable to what would be required for each new full course of treatment.
Besides maintenance sessions, some healthy habits can help you maintain the benefits of TMS therapy. Below are some tips to consider:
Whether this is your first round of treatment or maintenance, here’s how you can get the most from your TMS sessions:
TMS therapy has helped many people find relief when medications and talk therapy weren’t enough. With its quick results, few side effects, and long-lasting benefits, TMS could be the answer you’re looking for.
If you’ve been struggling with depression or another mental health condition that won’t go away despite your best efforts, we’re here to help. At Cura Behavioral Health, our team will work with you to create a TMS treatment plan that fits your specific needs.
Ready to take a step toward feeling better? Call us today to schedule a consultation. We’ll walk you through how it works, answer your questions, and help you decide if it’s right for you.
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.
