Relief may seem out of reach for patients with treatment-resistant depression and other mental health conditions. Transcranial electric stimulation (TMS) is a non-invasive, drug-free option with a high degree of efficacy. For those finally enjoying relief from symptoms, it is natural to wonder how long TMS results last.
Every individual responds differently to TMS treatment. Some patients may start to experience a change for the better within 2–3 weeks of the first session, while for others it may take longer to see results. At NeuroHealth Treatment Centers, we create a personalized care plan for every patient designed to maximize the benefits and foster long-term improvements in mental health.
Call NeuroHealth Treatment Centers at 954-417-7575 to book your FREE and confidential consultation. Our clinic in Fort Lauderdale has achieved positive TMS results for patients throughout South Florida.
How Long Does TMS Take to Work?
During TMS therapy, gentle magnetic pulses are applied to the regions of the brain responsible for conditions such as major depressive disorder (MDD) and obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). Targeted brain stimulation modifies neuron activity. Over time and with repeated treatment, TMS can provide relief from a range of psychiatric disorders.
Patients who respond well to TMS treatment may begin noticing early signs of improvement in as little as 2 weeks. A study published in the journal of Biological Psychiatry found that patients with major depression who underwent TMS therapy exhibited significant improvement by week 4. Others may not experience results from TMS until the course of treatment ends (usually 6 weeks).
What Are the Signs That TMS Is Working?
TMS results do not happen overnight. Most patients experience incremental improvements that lead to an overall boost in mental well-being and day-to-day functioning. Common signs that TMS therapy is working include:
- Enhanced mood: Many patients report a renewed sense of optimism and a more positive outlook on life. It is not uncommon for people to see their sense of humor return and start taking pleasure in favorite activities once again.
- Better sleep: Patients may have less difficulty falling asleep, stay asleep through the night, and wake up feeling rested and refreshed.
- More energy: Relief from negative thought patterns often leaves patients feeling more energetic and more capable of handling day-to-day tasks.
- Improvements in concentration: Patients who respond to TMS therapy often have better focus, with fewer disruptions due to brain fog, intrusive thoughts, etc.
- Feeling more confident and self-assured: Reduced feelings of negativity can help patients feel better about themselves, resulting in greater confidence and motivation.
Loved ones, friends, and coworkers may also notice improvements in patients’ disposition and behavior. This can have positive social benefits and lead to better relationships with others.
Are TMS Results Permanent?
TMS results are not permanent. On average, we find that the duration of benefits from TMS therapy is typically 6–12 months, or up to 1 year after treatment stops.
One of the major factors that can affect how long the results from TMS therapy last is the condition being treated:
Major Depressive Disorder (MDD)
For patients with MDD, multiple clinical studies have found that approximately 60% of patients continue to experience the benefits of TMS for up to 1 year after treatment ceases.
Read More About TMS Therapy for Depression
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
A literature review and meta-analysis of articles on PTSD published in Translational Psychiatry found that patients exhibited a “clinically meaningful improvement” in PTSD symptoms up to 1 year after treatment.
Read More About TMS Therapy for PTSD
Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)
The results are even better for OCD, with a study in the journal Brain Stimulation finding that more than 86% of patients with obsessive-compulsive disorder saw continued durability from TMS therapy after 1 year and efficacy continuing up to 2 years for 43% of OCD patients.
Read More About TMS Therapy for OCD
What Affects How Long TMS Results Last?
Numerous other factors may affect how long TMS therapy results last. These include:
- Age; adults over the age of 60 tend to have a slower response to TMS and are less likely to go into remission (International Psychogeriatrics)
- The length and severity of the mental health condition prior to treatment
- Adherence to the treatment plan (i.e., completing all sessions of TMS treatment)
- Whether the patient achieves full or only partial remission with TMS
- Ongoing support, such as psychotherapy, medication management, complementary therapies, etc.
- Co-occurring psychiatric disorders such as depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, etc., potentially requiring adjustment of TMS treatment
Patients who experience positive effects after several sessions of TMS should continue with treatment until the entire course is complete. Most patients get TMS treatment 5 days a week for a period of 4–6 weeks. Completing all of the recommended sessions is critical for obtaining optimal results.
What Happens If Symptoms Return?
Just as the results of TMS are gradual, so too are the signs that the treatment is wearing off. For example:
- Patients with MDD may experience relapsing depression, often typified by low mood, loss of interest in activities, sleep disturbances, and feelings of anxiety.
- Relapsing OCD is commonly associated with an increase in obsessions and compulsions.
- Patients with relapsing PTSD may once again experience distressing memories of the traumatic incident, as well as symptoms such as hypervigilance and avoidance of people, places, or things associated with the trauma.
A mental health professional can help monitor your symptoms and discuss the best option if symptoms return. Some patients may benefit from ongoing TMS treatments at regular intervals (maintenance sessions) or a subsequent course of TMS therapy.
How to Prolong the Effects of TMS
For many people, TMS therapy revolutionizes their mental health. Some enjoy relief from daily mental health issues for the first time, without having to rely on drugs or resort to invasive procedures. While the results of TMS are not permanent, there are ways to extend the benefits:
- Complete all sessions: TMS treatment is cumulative. For best results, it is essential to attend all scheduled sessions and complete the entire course of treatment.
- Continue with other treatments: Unless you are informed otherwise, you should keep taking medications and/or regularly seeing a therapist. TMS often works best when it is performed as part of a cohesive mental healthcare plan.
- Get plenty of sleep: Quality sleep is vital for limiting feelings of mental distress. Adults should try to get 7–9 hours of uninterrupted sleep every night.
- Live healthy: Regular exercise can reduce stress and improve mood, making it a key lifestyle component of managing mental health. A balanced, nutritious diet is also important for physical and mental wellness.
- Manage stress: From deep breathing to mindfulness and meditation exercises to yoga, there are many different ways to cope with everyday stress. Keeping stress under control can help to prolong TMS results, so find a healthy outlet for relieving tension.
- Stay alert during TMS treatment sessions: During TMS therapy, we strive to make you as comfortable as possible. Some patients become so relaxed that they fall asleep during the session. While this is understandable, we encourage you to stay awake and be present. Keeping the brain active during treatments often leads to better results. Reading a book, listening to music or podcasts, or chatting with our team are all great ways to stay engaged during TMS treatment.
- Have a support network: Isolation is antithetical to mental health. Maintaining relationships with friends and family and participating in social activities can help you stay positive and maintain the results of TMS long-term.
Every person has unique brain chemistry. It is vital to work with qualified mental health practitioners who can help you get the most from TMS therapy.
Maximize Results from TMS Therapy
At NeuroHealth Treatment Centers, we offer cutting-edge solutions for a wide range of mental health conditions. TMS is FDA-approved for major depressive disorder and obsessive-compulsive disorder, and it has also shown promise for post-traumatic stress disorder and other psychiatric illnesses.
During your FREE consultation at our Fort Lauderdale clinic, we will discuss your candidacy for TMS therapy. Our number-one goal is to ensure that TMS results provide you with life-changing relief from troubling symptoms and give you a new outlook. We tailor the treatment plan to your needs, goals, and unique brain anatomy.
Better mental health is within reach. Contact NeuroHealth Treatment Centers today to learn more about what transcranial electric stimulation can do for you. TMS therapy is covered by most insurance plans. We also offer alternative funding and payment options.
