What is Deep TMS?
Deep Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (Deep TSM or dTMS) is an innovative, noninvasive treatment designed to help patients with mental health and addiction conditions such as Major Depressive Disorder (MDD), Anxious Depression, Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD), and Smoking Addiction. Symptoms of depression can include profound disturbance of mood, thinking, energy and motivation. Symptoms of Anxious Depression are consistent with what is previously listed in addition to excessive worry, panic, and frequently associated with other physical symptoms. Symptoms of OCD can include uncontrollable, recurring and distressing thoughts (obsessions) and repetitive behaviors (compulsions) performed to relieve anxiety. These symptoms are thought to be the results of areas of the brain, joined together as a network of brain cell regions, that are firing in a disrupted manner.
Using advanced H-Coil technology, Deep tMS delivers electromagnetic pulses to stimulate neurons in specific areas of the brain that are associated with mood regulation, impulse behavior, and cognitive function.
At Life Change Associates – we have the devices and protocols for Major Depression, Anxious Depression, and Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder.
FAQ’s and TMS Sessions
You can find answers to the most frequently asked questions about rTMS below. In you would like to view more FAQs about rTMS or learn more about rTMS treatment sessions, feel free to watch the additional videos posted below.
Question: What else is TMS used for:
Answer: Deep TMS is FDA cleared for the treatment of depression, anxious depression, OCD and smoking addiction.
Question: When should I try TMS to help my depression?
Answer: If you have tried and failed two or more antidepressant treatments then TMS may be an option for you!
Question: Does my insurance cover TMS?
Answer: With increasing evidence of efficacy and low side effect profile, more insurances than ever are covering TMS. This includes commercial insurances as well as federal and state insurances such as Medicare and Medicaid. Individual coverage may vary based on individual plans. Our team will work with you and your insurance to determine coverage prior to starting treatment.
Question: How do I know if TMS is right for me?
Answer: The FDA has given authorization for TMS as an evidenced based treatment for treatment resistant Major Depression, for Anxious Depression, for Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder, and for Smoking Addiction. Here at LCA we have the coils for Depression, Anxious Depression and for Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder.
Question: How long does it take for a course of TMS treatment?
Answer: A typical “course” of TMS involves 36 individual treatments. These treatments are usually delivered over the course of 10-12 weeks. A condensed SWIFT protocol is available for these treatments to be delivered over a much shorter time frame.
Question: How long does the benefit of TMS last?
Answer: Many patients report lasting symptom relief after completing a full course of treatment, and maintenance sessions can help to sustain results over time.
Question: Are there side effects?
Answer: Deep TMS has no systemic side effects commonly associated with medication(s), and no potential for memory loss, as sometimes seen with ECT. Sessions are short, and most patients experience no significant downtime, making it easy to integrate into daily life. Years of safety data support noninvasive Deep TMS treatment. Patients can resume regular daily activities immediately after each treatment session, including driving to and from each appointment.
Question: What is the response rate?
Answer: Clinical data demonstrates that nearly 3 in 4 patients achieve a clinical response, with 1 out of 2 achieving remission. You may also experience significant reduction in anxiety symptoms.
Question: How frequently and for how long are patients seen for TMS?
Answer: Treatment entails 36 sessions delivered over the course of 10-12 weeks; or a shortened protocol over the course of 6 days. The usual course of treatment involves 4-5 treatments for 4-6 weeks and then tapering over the next several weeks. The Mapping Sessions are the longest appointments and are the initial appointment and mid-course if necessary. Typical treatments last 20 minutes.