Discovering New Hope: What is Accelerated TMS?
Discovering New Hope: What is Accelerated TMS?
June 20
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In the constantly evolving landscape of mental health treatments, Accelerated Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) is offering new hope for individuals struggling with a variety of mental health conditions. The therapy builds upon the principles of traditional TMS, but delivers a condensed and intensive treatment course that promises faster symptom relief.
Both Traditional and Accelerated TMS protocols have a much higher rate of efficacy when compared to alternative pharmacological treatments, including antidepressant medication and talk therapy. With almost 80% of patients achieving remission with as little as one treatment regime, Accelerated TMS is an exciting breakthrough in the context of psychiatric care.
This article will explore the benefits of Accelerated TMS in helping individuals to combat mental health challenges, providing new hope with a faster, more accessible, and more effective treatment approach.
Introduction to Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS)
Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) is a non-invasive brain stimulation technique. The therapy has emerged as a promising treatment option in psychiatry, particularly for treating major depressive disorder (MDD), with research showing a significant correlation between TMS treatment and the reduction of symptoms from various mental health conditions.
All forms of TMS utilize powerful magnetic fields to stimulate specific regions of the brain. In the context of depression, the technique aims to activate neural pathways in the frontal cortex — one of the primary regions of the brain responsible for mood regulation.
TMS has gained significant attention in psychiatry as a treatment for patients who have become resistant to traditional antidepressant treatments, such as medication or psychotherapy. This phenomenon is known as treatment-resistant depression, and TMS is found to be particularly beneficial in these cases.
One of the key advantages of TMS is its ability to target specific brain regions that are associated with the pathophysiology of depression and other mental health disorders. TMS aims to restore normal brain function by targeting these regions, which in turn helps to alleviate symptoms.
The special magnetic coil generates brief, powerful pulses that penetrate the skull and induce electrical currents in the underlying brain regions. These electrical currents stimulate neurons in the targeted area, causing them to become more or less active depending on the treatment protocol.
A prominent benefit of TMS is that it’s a safe and well-tolerated treatment option, with minimal side effects compared to traditional psychiatric medications. It does not require anesthesia or sedation, and patients can resume their normal activities immediately after each treatment session.
What is Accelerated TMS, and how is it different from the conventional kind?
While traditional TMS has been an effective treatment for depression, recent advancements have led to the development of Accelerated TMS protocols, offering potential advantages over standard TMS therapy.
Traditional TMS typically involves daily treatment sessions lasting approximately 30-60 minutes, five days per week, for a total duration of 6-8 weeks. While this approach has proven beneficial for many patients, the extended treatment duration can be challenging and may contribute to treatment dropout or non-compliance.
In contrast, Accelerated TMS protocols aim to deliver the same total number of stimulation pulses as traditional TMS but in a condensed time frame, usually over a period of 5-10 days. This accelerated approach is designed to provide faster symptom relief and improve treatment adherence.
One of the most well-known Accelerated TMS protocols is the Stanford Accelerated Intelligent Neuromodulation Therapy (SAINT). Developed by researchers at Stanford University, SAINT® utilizes a specific form of TMS called intermittent theta-burst stimulation (iTBS), which delivers magnetic pulses in a unique pattern designed to enhance the therapeutic effects.
The SAINT protocol involves 10 sessions per day for 5 days (a total of 50 sessions) with each session lasting around 10-15 minutes. This intensive approach allows patients to receive the entire course of treatment in a much shorter time frame compared to traditional TMS.
The Accelerated TMS Treatment Process
The treatment process for Accelerated TMS protocols differs significantly from traditional TMS therapy in terms of session frequency, total treatment duration, and stimulation methods employed.
Sessions per Day (Daily TMS)
Unlike traditional TMS, which typically involves one session per day, Accelerated TMS protocols require multiple treatment sessions per day. In the case of the HOPE-TMS protocol, patients typically receive 10 sessions per day, with each session lasting approximately 10-15 minutes.
Total Treatment Duration
One of the key advantages of Accelerated TMS is the reduced overall treatment duration. While traditional TMS may span 6-8 weeks, with daily sessions five days per week, Accelerated TMS protocols can deliver the entire course of treatment in a condensed time frame, typically ranging from 5 to 10 days. HOPE-TMS and SAINT® courses last 5 days.
Use of Theta Burst Stimulation
Accelerated TMS protocols like SAINT employ a specific form of stimulation called intermittent theta-burst stimulation (iTBS). This technique involves delivering magnetic pulses in a unique pattern, consisting of bursts of high-frequency stimulation interleaved with periods of rest.
The theta burst stimulation pattern is designed to enhance the therapeutic effects of TMS by mimicking the natural firing patterns of neurons in the brain.
Benefits of Accelerated TMS compared to Traditional TMS Treatment Protocols
Accelerated TMS protocols offer several advantages over traditional TMS treatments, including faster symptom relief, enhanced treatment adherence, and reduced overall treatment costs.
By delivering the same total number of stimulation pulses in a condensed time frame, patients can experience improvements in their mental health symptoms much faster. A study published in the American Journal of Psychiatry in 2021 found that the SAINT protocol was associated with a rapid onset of antidepressant effects, with significant improvements in depressive symptoms observed within the first week of treatment.
Likewise, the shorter time commitment required for Accelerated TMS is also thought to make it a more accessible option. Since the treatment duration often spans just 5-10 days, the risk of patients dropping out or missing sessions is drastically reduced. Fewer overall treatment sessions can also reduce the cost of receiving treatment, and patients are required to take less time off work to complete the treatment regime.
Accelerated TMS for Major Depressive Disorder
Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) is a debilitating mental health condition, with the World Health Organization reporting that over 280 million people worldwide are affected by the condition.
While antidepressant medications and psychotherapy have been the traditional treatment approaches, TMS treatment protocols, including Accelerated TMS, have emerged as an effective alternative for individuals who have not responded adequately to these conventional treatments.
A landmark study published by O’Reardon et al. in 2007 found that TMS was significantly more effective than sham treatment in improving depressive symptoms in patients with treatment-resistant depression.
Another randomized controlled trial published in the Journal of Clinical Psychiatry in 2015 evaluated the effectiveness of TMS in treating acute major depression. The study found that TMS was effective in reducing depressive symptoms with a lower risk of cognitive side effects compared to alternative treatments such as electroconvulsive therapy (ECT).
The favorable side effect profile of TMS can also be compared against many antidepressant medications, including SSRIs such as Prozac. With minimal systemic side effects and a low risk of serious adverse events, TMS is a valuable treatment option for individuals with major depressive disorder.
Safety and Side Effects
Accelerated TMS protocols are generally considered safe and well-tolerated treatments. However, as with any medical procedure, it is crucial to understand the potential side effects.
The most commonly reported side effects of Accelerated TMS are mild and transient, including:
Scalp discomfort or mild headache during or immediately after treatment sessions.
Facial muscle twitching or jaw clenching during stimulation.
Mild fatigue or drowsiness following treatment sessions.
These side effects typically resolve shortly after the treatment session without requiring additional intervention.
Safety considerations
While Accelerated TMS is generally considered safe, individuals with certain medical conditions such as a history of seizures, brain lesions, or metallic implants, may not be suitable candidates for TMS treatment.
After completing the Accelerated TMS treatment course, patients may be advised to attend follow-up appointments to monitor their progress and assess the need for any additional maintenance sessions.
As a result, it’s important to have an open discussion with your healthcare provider about any concerns or risk factors.
Who Can Benefit from Accelerated TMS?
Accelerated TMS protocols have primarily been studied and utilized for the treatment of major depressive disorder, but emerging research shows promise for other mental health conditions such as obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), anxiety disorders, and addiction.
Patients with Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)
There is growing interest in exploring the potential use of Accelerated TMS for treating OCD. A pilot study published in the Journal of Affective Disorders in 2020 found that the Accelerated TMS treatment was associated with significant improvements in OCD symptoms and was well-tolerated by the participants.
Patients with Anxiety Disorders
Preliminary research has also explored the potential application of Accelerated TMS for the treatment of anxiety disorders, such as generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). A study published in the Journal of Anxiety Disorders in 2019 evaluated the use of an Accelerated TMS protocol in patients with GAD and found promising results, with significant reductions in anxiety symptoms and improvements in overall functioning.
Patients with Addiction
Another area of interest for Accelerated TMS is its potential use in the treatment of addiction disorders, such as substance use disorders and behavioral addictions. While research in this area is still in its early stages, some studies have suggested that TMS targeting specific brain regions involved in reward processing and craving may help reduce addictive behaviors and cravings.
A Final Word from Acacia Clinics: Getting Started with Accelerated TMS
If you or a loved one are considering Accelerated TMS as a treatment option, it is crucial to seek guidance from a qualified healthcare provider.
Acacia Clinics is a leading provider of Accelerated TMS treatment protocols, including both SAINT-TMS and its proprietary HOPE-TMS protocol. We believe it’s important to approach Accelerated TMS with realistic expectations and an open dialogue, and we are renowned for providing highly personalized treatment protocols that are tailor-made for each individual patient.
You can contact Acacia Clinics today to receive a professional consultation, where we’ll guide you through the process of learning and help you to receive comprehensive care for a variety of mental health conditions.
