If you are struggling with depression and looking for treatment options, you may already be familiar with transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS). TMS is an excellent treatment for depression and one we recommend here at Colorado Psychiatry Solutions. You can find a wealth of information about TMS here on our website, including patient experiences with TMS and research studies that demonstrate the effectiveness of TMS therapy.
Now, a new form of TMS is available called Accelerated TMS. While traditional TMS therapy is conducted daily over a period of 6 to 7 weeks, Accelerated TMS delivers the same benefits of traditional TMS in a much shorter timeframe: just one week of treatment is needed with Accelerated TMS.
At Colorado Psychiatry Solutions, we’ve recently added Accelerated TMS as a treatment option for our patients in Colorado Springs and Monument. Let’s take a look at what Accelerated TMS is and when it may be the right option for depression treatment.
What Is Accelerated TMS?
Accelerated TMS is similar in many ways to traditional TMS. Both forms of TMS therapy use magnetic pulses delivered through a TMS device to stimulate specific areas of the brain associated with mood regulation.
The primary difference between the two forms of TMS is that accelerated TMS includes multiple sessions per day. With traditional TMS, patients receive one TMS therapy session each day of treatment. With accelerated TMS, patients receive five treatment sessions per day. This allows accelerated TMS treatment to conclude after just five days.
When Is Accelerated TMS Appropriate?
Accelerated TMS is a great option for people who:
· Have not responded to traditional depression treatments, such as antidepressants or therapy. TMS is typically recommended after patients have attempted other treatment options without success.
· Require rapid symptom relief. Individuals experiencing severe depressive episodes or suicidal ideation may benefit from the compressed time to relief that accelerated TMS can provide. Accelerated TMS is often helpful if patients are at risk for not completing the treatment schedule required for traditional TMS.
· Have scheduling constraints or a brief preferred time window. The condensed treatment schedule is ideal for those unable to commit to the extended timeline of traditional TMS due to work, travel, or other obligations. Accelerated TMS can also be an excellent option for people who have a brief window of maximum availability, such as vacation time or a delay before starting a new job. Receiving a full course of TMS treatment during these windows of availability can contribute directly to improved work performance.
Benefits of Accelerated TMS
Patients typically choose accelerated TMS over standard TMS when time to relief is the most important consideration, but there are several reasons why accelerated TMS may be the preferred treatment for depression.
- Faster Relief from Depression Symptoms
One of the most significant advantages of accelerated TMS is the potential for rapid improvement in depressive symptoms. Some patients report noticeable changes within days. With standard TMS, that improvement typically happens after four weeks.
- Convenience and Efficiency
By condensing the treatment into just five days, patients can achieve the benefits of TMS without the prolonged commitment, making it more accessible for individuals with busy schedules.
- Non-Invasive with Minimal Side Effects
Both standard TMS and accelerated TMS are non-invasive procedures and do not require anesthesia or sedation. There is no prep time required, and patients are cleared to drive, return to work, or resume normal duties immediately after treatment. This makes it easy to fit either form of TMS around a busy work or home schedule.
- High Efficacy Rates
Studies have shown that accelerated TMS can be highly effective, with some protocols reporting remission rates even higher than traditional TMS (which already boasts an impressively high remission rate). This makes it a promising option for those seeking substantial improvement in a shorter timeframe.
What You Should Know Before Starting Accelerated TMS
Here are some things to keep in mind when considering accelerated TMS.
· Accelerated TMS may not be covered by insurance. While most major insurance offers coverage for traditional TMS, many insurance plans exclude accelerated TMS. Accelerated TMS may be an out-of-pocket expense. For many patients, the shorter time to relief is worth the extra expense.
· Accelerated TMS has a higher treatment intensity. The condensed nature of accelerated TMS therapy requires multiple sessions per day, which can be demanding. We do everything possible to mitigate the impact by adjusting delivery protocols as needed, but you may experience mild side effects such as a temporary headache or fatigue.
Accelerated TMS Therapy in Colorado Springs
If you are considering Accelerated TMS for depression treatment, Colorado Psychiatry Solutions is the clinic of choice. With office locations in Colorado Springs and Monument, Colorado Psychiatry Solutions helps patients overcome depression, anxiety, PTSD, and other mental health disorders through integrative psychiatry procedures such as TMS, accelerated TMS, ketamine therapy, and Spravato.
Contact Colorado Psychiatry Solutions today at 719-622-6522 to schedule an appointment.
