The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center says TMS may be used for advanced depression when medicines and cognitive behavioral therapy have not worked.
Stimulation therapies for advanced depression
According to The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, psychiatrists use TMS and vagus nerve stimulation for advanced depression. The source says these stimulation therapies are used when medicines and cognitive behavioral therapy are not working. It also says psychiatrists advocate earlier referral for these approaches.
The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center presents TMS and vagus nerve stimulation as options for people with advanced depression whose prior treatment has not brought sufficient benefit. The source specifically identifies both medicines and cognitive behavioral therapy in describing when stimulation therapies may be considered.
Who may be considered for TMS
The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center says candidates for TMS are people who have not benefited from one or more antidepressants at full doses for more than six weeks. The source places this candidate description within its discussion of advanced depression and treatments used after medicines have not worked.
According to the source, TMS is used in the context of unsuccessful medication treatment and cognitive behavioral therapy. It also says psychiatrists advocate earlier referral, while describing candidates as people who have not benefited from one or more antidepressants taken at full doses for more than six weeks.
Treatment course and reported results
The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center says TMS treatment is provided five days a week for about six weeks. According to the source, improvement often begins within seven to 10 sessions. The source also says TMS effects often persist for months or years and that treatment can be repeated.
The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center reports that about half to two-thirds of people receiving TMS experience noticeable improvement. It says nearly 40% see symptoms totally resolve. The source quotes psychiatrist Kevin Reeves, MD, describing TMS as a very safe and very good early treatment.
What this means for Ohio patients
For Ohio patients looking for treatment locally, the directory lists 91 published clinics in Ohio. The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center’s description outlines TMS as an option discussed for advanced depression after certain prior treatments have not helped.
This is general information, not medical advice.
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This report is educational and is not medical advice. Coverage, availability and eligibility can change; verify details with the named source or your care team.