Depression is a common mental disorder affecting millions of people worldwide. Traditionally, treatment for depression has involved medication, psychotherapy and, in some cases, electroconvulsive therapy (ECT). However, a new approach is gaining in popularity: transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS).

What is TMS?

TMS is a non-invasive technique that uses magnetic fields to stimulate certain parts of the brain. It is mainly used to treat treatment-resistant depression, i.e. when medication and psychotherapy are not sufficient to relieve symptoms.

What is accelerated TMS?

Accelerated MST is a variant of conventional MST. Instead of following a four- to six-week treatment protocol, accelerated TMS offers more frequent sessions over a shorter period. Results are promising: a pilot study showed that 55% of patients with treatment-resistant depression achieved remission of depression within the first week of accelerated treatment, and this figure rose to 70%.

Why isn’t accelerated TMS more widely used?

Despite its advantages, accelerated MST presents challenges. It requires specific equipment and extensive training for healthcare professionals. In addition, careful follow-up and ongoing psychotherapeutic support are needed to maintain positive results and determine whether maintenance MST is required.

Conclusion

Accelerated TMS offers a new perspective for the treatment of depression. Although not yet widely available, it could become a standard option in the future. If you suffer from treatment-resistant depression, talk to your healthcare professional about whether accelerated MST could be right for you.

Could Accelerated TMS for Depression Become Standard? | Psychology Today