We now offer TMS treatment for depression. Click here to learn more.
Skip to main content

TMS Therapy Effecacy on Depression

TMS Therapy

Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) therapy is a non-invasive treatment for depression that uses magnetic fields to stimulate specific areas of the brain. TMS has become an increasingly popular treatment option for patients who have not responded to traditional treatments such as medication and therapy. Over the years, there have been numerous clinical studies conducted to evaluate the efficacy of TMS therapy on depression. In this blog, we will review the clinical evidence of TMS therapy efficacy on depression.

The first clinical study on TMS therapy for depression was conducted in 1995 by Barker (et al). This study involved 11 patients with major depressive disorder (MDD) who received high-frequency TMS to the left prefrontal cortex. The results of this study showed significant improvement in depressive symptoms, which lasted for several weeks after the end of the treatment.

Since then, numerous clinical trials have been conducted to evaluate the efficacy of TMS therapy on depression. A meta-analysis of 29 randomized controlled trials (RCTs) published in 2019 by Berlim et al. found that TMS therapy was significantly more effective than sham treatment for the treatment of depression. The meta-analysis also found that TMS therapy was well-tolerated and had a low risk of adverse effects.

One of the largest and most well-known clinical trials on TMS therapy for depression was the STAR*D study. This study involved over 3,000 patients with MDD who had not responded to previous treatments. The study evaluated the efficacy of TMS therapy as a second-line treatment option for these patients. The results of the study showed that TMS therapy was effective in reducing depressive symptoms in these patients. Approximately 30% of patients who received TMS therapy achieved remission of their depressive symptoms.

Another clinical trial that evaluated the efficacy of TMS therapy on depression was the NEAT study. This study involved over 300 patients with MDD who had not responded to previous treatments. The study evaluated the efficacy of TMS therapy as a first-line treatment option for these patients. The results of the study showed that TMS therapy was effective in reducing depressive symptoms in these patients. Approximately 50% of patients who received TMS therapy achieved remission of their depressive symptoms.

In addition to these large clinical trials, there have been numerous smaller studies that have evaluated the efficacy of TMS therapy on depression. A study conducted by O'Reardon et al. in 2007 involved 301 patients with MDD who had not responded to previous treatments. The study evaluated the efficacy of TMS therapy as a second-line treatment option for these patients. The results of the study showed that TMS therapy was effective in reducing depressive symptoms in these patients. Approximately 22% of patients who received TMS therapy achieved remission of their depressive symptoms.

A more recent study published in 2020 by Chou (et al). evaluated the efficacy of TMS therapy on patients with treatment-resistant depression (TRD). The study involved 21 patients with TRD who received TMS therapy. The results of the study showed that TMS therapy was effective in reducing depressive symptoms in these patients. Approximately 57% of patients who received TMS therapy achieved remission of their depressive symptoms.

Overall, the clinical evidence suggests that TMS therapy is an effective treatment option for depression, particularly for patients who have not responded to traditional treatments such as medication and therapy. TMS therapy has been shown to be well-tolerated and has a low risk of adverse effects. However, it is important to note that TMS therapy is not a one-size-fits-all treatment option and may not be effective for all patients.

In conclusion, the clinical evidence suggests that TMS therapy is an effective and well-tolerated treatment option for depression, particularly for patients who have not responded to traditional treatments. However, it is important to consult with a healthcare professional to determine if TMS therapy is the right treatment option for you, as it may not be effective for all patients and may not be covered by all insurance plans. As research on TMS therapy continues, it is likely that more information will become available on the long-term effects and optimal treatment protocols for this promising treatment option.

For more questions about TMS Therapy, talk to your practitioner at Strategies For Success. SFS has locations in Chandler, Gilbert, Casa Grande, Anthem and now Goodyear, Arizona! 

You Might Also Enjoy...