TMS combined with Psychotherapy
66% Efficacy
TMS, when combined with Psychotherapy, is proven to be effective in 66% of patients with Treatment Resistant Depression (Donse et al. 2017)
A short-term treatment Program
TMS is administered at least two times per week and studies show that after an average of 20 sessions, depressive symptoms decrease for the long-term
Medication Free
TMS is particularly suited to and recommended for those who do not respond to traditional medication management for Depression
Minimal Side-effects
TMS has the advantage of not inducing side-effects common with anti-depressant medications
What is TMS?
(repetitive) Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation, often just referred to as ‘TMS’ or ‘rTMS’, is a non-invasive and medication-free treatment method, where a magnetic coil is positioned on the head which then externally stimulates specific areas of the brain involved in Depression.
Different from Electroshock (or ECT) therapy, Magnetic Stimulation releases a safe and more focal stimulation which, other than a noticeable ‘flicking’ sensation on the head, has no risk of inducing memory loss or other side-effects and is considered a safe and effective therapy for many patient groups.
Patients who receive this therapy commit to frequent sessions in a relatively short period of time, with a full course of therapy delivered in as little as four weeks. In research and clinical practice, it is found that more than half of patients achieve complete remission from depressive symptoms.
According to the Guidelines for Mood Disorders by The Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatry, TMS is a recommended therapy, particularly for people who do not respond to antidepressant medications.
The latest research
In 2017 a study looked at treatment of 196 patients receiving Magnetic Stimulation combined with Psychotherapy at neuroCare Clinics in The Netherlands and found that by combining the two techniques, the patient is more likely achieve remission from Depression. After an average of 21 sessions, 66% of patients with Treatment Resistant Depression responded well to the combined approach, with lasting effects after 6 months in 65% of this group.
We offer TMS across Sydney and Melbourne
TMS in practice
TMS is supervised by a Psychologist or Psychiatrist and is conducted in a comfortable treatment chair where a magnetic coil is placed over the head. The coil generates a pulsating magnetic field, stimulating the target areas within the brain. The magnetic field generates a noticeable ticking sound. while the stimulation is not painful, a tingly sensation on the scalp is often noticed.
Who is TMS suitable for?
clients with a depssive disorder or dysthymia;
clients with “treatment-resistant” depression;
clients who wish to lower or cease medication and want a therapy to support that process
Want to learn more about our medication-free mental health programs?
A staff member from one of Melbourne or Sydney clinics will be in touch.
