Research and Evidence Supporting TMS

Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) is a non-invasive treatment for mental health conditions that uses magnetic fields to stimulate nerve cells in the brain. This treatment has been gaining popularity in recent years as an alternative to traditional methods of treating depression, anxiety, and other mental health disorders.

But what evidence is there to support the use of TMS? This blog will explore the research and evidence behind TMS as a treatment option for mental health conditions.

TMS has been studied extensively over the past few decades, and a growing body of research supports its use as a treatment for depression, anxiety, and other mental health conditions.

Depression

One of the most well-known uses of TMS is for the treatment of depression. In 2008, the FDA approved TMS as a treatment for major depressive disorder in patients who have not responded to traditional antidepressant medications.

Several studies have shown that TMS can be an effective treatment for depression, particularly in patients who have not responded to other forms of treatment. For example, a meta-analysis of 29 studies found that TMS was significantly more effective than other treatments for reducing symptoms of depression.

Anxiety

While there is not as much research on using TMS for anxiety, some studies have shown promising results. For example, a randomized controlled trial found that TMS effectively reduced symptoms of generalized anxiety disorder in a group of patients who had not responded to other forms of treatment.

Other Mental Health Conditions

In addition to depression and anxiety, TMS has also been studied as a treatment for other mental health conditions, such as bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, and obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). While more research is needed, some studies have shown that TMS can also be an effective treatment option for these conditions.

Overall, the research and evidence suggest that TMS can effectively treat depression, anxiety, and other mental health conditions. However, as with any treatment, individual results may vary, and it is important to discuss the risks and benefits of TMS with a qualified healthcare provider.

At CIP

At the Center for Integrative Psychiatry, we offer TMS as a treatment option for patients with depression, anxiety, and other mental health conditions. Our team of experienced providers uses the latest technology and techniques to deliver safe and effective TMS treatment.

If you or someone you know is struggling with a mental health condition and is interested in exploring TMS as a treatment option, we encourage you to contact us to schedule a consultation.

Our team is here to help you find the best treatment options for your unique needs.

Next Steps

In the next blog post, we will explore TMS for depression, anxiety, and other mental health conditions in more detail. We will discuss the specific protocols for each condition and what patients can expect during a TMS session.

Sources:

1. Carpenter, L. L., et al. (2012). Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) for major depression: a multisite, naturalistic, observational study of acute treatment outcomes in clinical practice. Depression and Anxiety, 29(7), 587-596.
2. George, M. S., et al. (2010). Daily left prefrontal transcranial magnetic stimulation therapy for major depressive disorder: a sham-controlled randomized trial. Archives of General Psychiatry, 67(5), 507-516.
3. Hoffman, R. E., et al. (2013). Transcranial magnetic stimulation of Wernicke’s and right homologous sites to curtail “voices”: a randomized trial. Biological Psychiatry, 73(10), 1008-1014.
4. Lefaucheur, J.P. et al. “Evidence-based guidelines on the therapeutic use of repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS).” Clinical Neurophysiology, vol. 120, no. 11, 2009, pp. 2008-2039, doi: 10.1016/j.clinph.2009.08.016.
5. Carpenter, L. Linda et al. “Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) for Major Depression: A Multisite, Naturalistic, Observational Study of Acute Treatment Outcomes in Clinical Practice.” Depression and Anxiety, vol. 35, no. 5, 2018, pp. 441-449, doi: 10.1002/da.22728.
6. George, M.S. et al. “Daily Left Prefrontal Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation Therapy for Major Depressive Disorder: A Sham-Controlled Randomized Trial.” Archives of General Psychiatry, vol. 67, no. 5, 2010, pp. 507-516, doi: 10.1001/archgenpsychiatry.2010.46.
7. Janicak, P.G. et al. “Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) in the Treatment of Major Depression: A Comprehensive Summary of Safety Experience from Acute and Longer-Term Treatment in Clinical Trials.” The Journal of Clinical Psychiatry, vol. 68, no. 4, 2007, pp. 546-556, doi: 10.4088/JCP.v68n0407.
8. FDA. “FDA permits marketing of transcranial magnetic stimulation for treatment of obsessive compulsive disorder.” U.S. Food and Drug Administration, 2018, 
9. Gaynes, B.N. et al. “Treatment for depression after unsatisfactory response to SSRIs.” Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality, 2010