How Long Do TMS Results Last? What Studies Show

If you've struggled with depression despite taking multiple medications and therapy approaches, you might be as curious as you are skeptical about alternative forms of treatment like transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS).

While many individuals have indeed found long-term relief through TMS therapy for depression, it is important to set realistic expectations about treatment results, including how long the positive effects of the treatment last. Let’s explore some of the factors that contribute to treatment success.

What Is TMS Therapy?

There are now several ways to address treatment-resistant disorders, including ketamine and transcranial magnetic stimulation. TMS is a non-invasive therapy that uses targeted magnetic pulses to stimulate areas of the brain associated with mood regulation.

During treatment, an electromagnetic coil is placed against your head, delivering pulses that activate the neural pathways that help regulate underactive regions of the brain.

Unlike other treatments, TMS does not require anesthesia or needles. Typically, sessions last for a half hour, and patients are able to resume daily activities immediately following treatment, including driving.

Does TMS Therapy Work?

Yes, research continues to show that TMS can be an effective option for addressing treatment-resistant disorders. In fact, 50-60% of patients who have not found relief through traditional treatment paths have a “clinically meaningful” response to TMS. And about one-third achieve full remission.

While these results are encouraging, it’s important to remember that TMS therapy success rates depend on numerous factors, which we’ll discuss below.

Factors That Influence TMS Therapy Success Rates

The duration and effectiveness of TMS results depend on several key factors, including:

• Lifestyle choices: Patients who make healthy lifestyle choices may have longer-lasting TMS health benefits. Exercise, eating well, and getting plenty of sleep are critical after a successful treatment.
• Therapy: Continuing talk therapy after treatment may help reinforce positive and sustained relief, ensuring patients better manage triggers while preventing relapse.
• Medication adherence: If you are prescribed medication alongside TMS, continue taking it according to your doctor’s orders. Abruptly stopping medication can trigger relapses.
• Underlying cause of medical condition: The severity of the disorder being treated may impact how long TMS results last. Those with severe conditions may require more maintenance sessions.

How Long Do TMS Results Last?

This is a difficult question to answer, as the duration of symptom relief varies with each patient. Many patients remain symptom-free for weeks or months after completing their initial TMS therapy for depression treatment.

However, those symptoms may gradually return without maintenance sessions. Research shows that as many as 80% of patients without a maintenance plan may experience some level of symptom return after successful treatment.

How Often Do I Need Maintenance?

Maintenance schedules vary widely, and are influenced by your needs and the severity of your symptoms.

However, a common approach begins with three maintenance sessions per week for two weeks, then reduces to two sessions per week for two weeks. This treatment schedule is followed with weekly sessions for two months before reducing to one session every two weeks for several months.

Your maintenance schedule will be tailored to your needs, taking into consideration your:

• Initial response to treatment
• The severity and nature of your disorder
• History of relapse
• Lifestyle factors, including medication adherence, participation in talk therapy, and post-treatment stability

Ready For Real Relief?

Are you fed up with traditional treatments that do not provide relief? You're not alone. We've helped hundreds of clients in similar situations achieve lasting relief through innovative therapies and treatments for depression. Explore our offerings and take the first step toward recovery by scheduling a consultation.