NeoPsych
Accelerated TMS
Accelerated TMS
What is Accelerated TMS?
Accelerated TMS refers to a TMS protocol that is completed significantly faster than the standard protocol, usually within 5 days. The decreased time commitment is a more viable option for people living a busy lifestyle. The accelerated TMS protocol typically consists of ten 3-10 min sessions per day for 5 consecutive days, with a 45-60 min break in between each session. By the end of the week there are 50 sessions completed. The day starts in the morning and ends in the late afternoon or evening. NeoPsych also offers entertainment options during that time that can be viewed here.
Standard TMS vs. Accelerated TMS
Transcranial magnetic stimulation offers many benefits to people suffering from mental illness. A major barrier to receiving TMS therapy is being able to attend regular appointments. The standard protocol requires one treatment per day, Monday-Friday, 36 times. This usually requires a 6-7 week commitment that interferes with work and travel schedules. Accelerated TMS may be the answer to this problem.
The first TMS session requires a mapping, which entails your provider using landmarks of the brain and head to locate where to administer treatment. How the treatment location is found depends on the doctor and the equipment being used. Here is a link to learn more about mappings. The next TMS sessions consist of the provider placing the treatment coil in the exact same location that was discovered on the first session.
No need for a mapping in your follow up sessions. The coil will be placed at the treatment location that was found on your first session. After each session all you need to do is relax for about 50 mins and then go to your next appointment. Patients usually stay on grounds, with lunch and entertainment provided.
1. Arrive for your appointment.
2. Check in with your provider.
3. Discuss side effects, discuss benefits, and answer questions.
4. Place coil at treatment location and start treatment.
5. Come back the next day and repeat.
- Patients suffering from Major Depression. Standard TMS has been used for a number of conditions, including, but not limited to Major Depression, Anxiety, Tinnitus, OCD, Anxious Depression, Pain, and Insomnia. Accelerated TMS has been utilized primarily for Major Depressive Disorder. There is ongoing evidence being collected about accelerated TMS being appropriate for conditions other than Major Depression
- Patients with a busy schedule. Although plenty of people complete the standard 36 treatments, 7 weeks worth of treatment can be difficult. Accelerated TMS would still require taking at least one week from work, but this may allow for more convenience depending on how daily treatments would impact you schedule.
- People who want to go to a specific provider. Even though TMS is readily available in most places in the United States, a specific provider might be in a different city or state. It is common for people to travel to see a doctor for a specific type of TMS. Hotels, scheduling, and other accommodations can be made before treatment starts.
- People who desire no involvement with insurance. Accelerated TMS is not covered by insurance. This expedites the treatment process, and allows for more efficient coordination between doctor and patient. If you would rather pay out of pocket vs. go through insurance, accelerated TMS would be an option.
Insurance coverage typically requires two different classes of antidepressant, one recent course of talk therapy, and a diagnosis of severe depression. Because accelerated TMS is not covered by insurance, you don’t necessarily need to try multiple antidepressants to be a candidate for treatment.
