Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) is a popular treatment option for those struggling with depression. Unlike traditional treatments, TMS directly targets the brain using magnetic pulses to stimulate areas associated with mood regulation. Many people considering this treatment often ask, “How long does TMS take to work?” While every person’s experience is different, TMS has been proven to show significant improvements in mood, with some patients noticing changes within the first few weeks of treatment.
The time it takes for TMS therapy to show results varies from person to person. Some people may notice subtle changes as early as the first week, while others might not feel a shift in their mood until several weeks into treatment. This is completely normal as TMS therapy works gradually.
During the first few weeks, you might start to experience small but beneficial improvements. These can include:
According to researchers at UCLA’s Neuromodulation Division, many patients begin noticing positive changes within just five to ten sessions. These early improvements can also give doctors insight into how well you’re responding to the treatment. This can help them fine-tune your therapy plan if needed.
By weeks four and five, patients may report more noticeable improvements in their depressive symptoms. You might feel a reduction in feelings of sadness or hopelessness, and an improved sense of well-being. Tasks that may have felt overwhelming before treatment might now seem more manageable as you start to feel more like yourself.
At the end of your TMS treatment, usually around weeks six to eight, you should experience the full benefits. Patients may report a substantial improvement in mood and cognitive function, along with a better ability to manage daily tasks and challenges.
TMS also changes the way different parts of your brain communicate, specifically in areas that regulate emotions. This improved brain connectivity can lead to longer-lasting emotional stability and overall well-being.
The time it takes to see results from TMS can depend on several factors. These factors include the severity of your condition, how your brain is being stimulated, and your individual brain chemistry.
The severity of your mental health condition can impact how quickly you’ll respond to TMS. For those with more treatment-resistant conditions, it may take longer to experience noticeable changes.
Your doctor may suggest pairing your TMS treatment with medications or talk therapy. A recent study found that adding psychostimulants to TMS resulted in greater improvement as early as week two and throughout the six-week course of therapy.
They may even encourage replacing TMS with alternative treatments, like:
How often and how long you receive TMS therapy also affects how quickly you will see results. TMS sessions can use different frequencies of stimulation, and this matters a lot. Low-frequency stimulation (below 1 Hz) calms down brain activity, which can be helpful for anxiety. On the other hand, high-frequency stimulation (above 5 Hz) increases brain activity and is often used for depression.
In addition, shorter sessions may produce more gradual changes while longer sessions tend to lead to more lasting effects as they allow for deeper stimulation and brain connectivity changes. Most TMS treatments are administered 5 times per week for about 6-8 weeks.
Each person’s brain responds to TMS differently, which is why some patients experience faster results than others. Research suggests that individual brain connectivity, or how different parts of your brain are communicating, can affect how well TMS works for you.
The superior temporal gyrus (STG) and angular gyrus are two brain regions that are involved in attention and sensory processing. The STG is important for auditory processing, while the angular gyrus is responsible for integrating multiple types of sensory information. These areas are tied to attention and motor control, meaning that the variations in response to TMS can depend on the specific neural networks involved in each person’s brain.
In addition to brain activity, factors like genetics, the site of stimulation, age, and overall health can also affect how quickly or effectively TMS works.
While TMS therapy can offer patients relief from depression, it’s important to remember that the results may not last forever. Like most treatments for mood disorders, there is a possibility of symptoms returning over time. However, many patients feel much better for several months, or even longer, after completing their initial TMS sessions. Let’s take a closer look at how long the benefits typically last and when follow-up sessions might be necessary.
TMS has been shown to help around 50% to 60% of people with depression who didn’t see improvement from medications. Out of these patients. About one-third experience full remission, which means their depressive symptoms disappear completely. While these results are promising, they are not permanent. Depression is a chronic condition for many, and there’s a high chance of symptoms coming back at some point.
That said, most people who benefit from TMS continue to feel better for many months after completing treatment. On average, the positive effects last just over a year. Everyone is different though, and some may experience relief for a shorter or longer period of time.
Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) is known for its high relapse rate, meaning that symptoms can return weeks or months after initial treatment. For some patients, follow-up TMS sessions may be necessary to keep depressive symptoms under control. If you’ve noticed your symptoms starting to return after TMS, it might be time to discuss maintenance therapy with your doctor.
Research shows that patients who have relapsed after responding to previous rounds of TMS often see improvement again with follow-up sessions. Maintenance TMS is usually scheduled weekly, biweekly, or monthly and can help prevent a full relapse. This is especially true for people who struggle with chronic depression or those who have a history of relapse after other treatments.
Some factors that may suggest the need for maintenance therapy include:
Studies have shown that patients with treatment-resistant depression (TRD) who receive regular maintenance TMS have lower relapse rates compared to those who don’t continue treatment. By keeping up with regular sessions, many people are able to maintain the benefits of TMS for a much longer period.
TMS therapy is a great option for many people struggling with depression, especially when other treatments have not worked. While results can vary, most patients experience improvements within the first few weeks, and these benefits can last for months. Follow-up sessions may help maintain the progress over time. If you’re considering TMS or want to learn more about how it could fit into your current mental health treatment plan, reach out to a healthcare provider to discuss your options.
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.
