Accelerated Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) is reshaping the landscape of depression and PTSD treatment. For patients seeking rapid, non-pharmacologic options, accelerated TMS offers a condensed protocol—multiple treatment sessions per day over one to ten days—that may achieve meaningful symptom relief in a fraction of the time of standard TMS.
At NeoPsych in Los Angeles, Dr. Thomas Hughes guides patients through this journey with clinical precision and compassionate care. This article walks through what accelerated TMS feels like across the treatment timeline, offering prospective patients clear, educational insight into what to expect.
Understanding Accelerated TMS
Accelerated TMS is a protocol designed to deliver the same (or greater) cumulative number of magnetic pulses as standard TMS but over a compressed timeframe. Instead of daily sessions over six weeks, patients receive multiple sessions per day, often completing treatment in as little as one to ten days, depending on their clinical profile and program design.
Published studies, including the Stanford Accelerated Intelligent Neuromodulation Therapy (SAINT) trial, have demonstrated promising outcomes, particularly for patients with treatment-resistant depression. While research on PTSD is ongoing, early findings and clinical practice suggest accelerated TMS may hold similar promise.
Day 1: Orientation and First Impressions
The first day at NeoPsych begins with a detailed clinical assessment. Dr. Hughes and his team review psychiatric and medical history, conduct baseline symptom evaluations, and explain the procedure.
Patients often arrive feeling a mix of hope and uncertainty, wondering, “What will this feel like? Will I tolerate it?”
The first TMS session introduces the physical sensations: a tapping or clicking feeling on the scalp where the magnetic coil is positioned. Patients may notice muscle twitches in the forehead, but the sensation is typically described as strange rather than painful. Most importantly, patients remain fully awake and alert throughout.
Days 2–4: Settling Into the Rhythm
By the second or third day, patients often settle into a rhythm. At NeoPsych, sessions are spaced carefully, commonly 10-minute stimulation periods followed by 50-minute breaks, repeated across the day. Patients describe the experience as both structured and surprisingly manageable. Many bring a book, music, or mindfulness exercises to pass the breaks. Fatigue, mild headache, or scalp sensitivity are the most commonly reported side effects, but these are typically short-lived and improve with hydration, rest, or over-the-counter pain relievers if needed.
Days 5–7: Emotional Shifts and Subtle Changes
Around the midpoint of treatment, some patients begin noticing early signs of change. For individuals with depression, this might include a reduction in emotional heaviness, subtle increases in motivation, or improved sleep. PTSD patients sometimes report a softening of hypervigilance or intrusive symptoms, though responses vary greatly. Dr. Hughes emphasizes to patients that these changes are gradual and non-linear. Emotional shifts may unfold subtly, and it is normal to have fluctuations in mood or energy as the brain adjusts.
Days 8–10: Consolidation and Reflection
By the final days, patients often describe a mix of physical tiredness and cautious optimism. The brain has undergone thousands of magnetic stimulations, comparable to weeks of standard TMS, in just over a week. At this stage, NeoPsych conducts re-assessment using standardized symptom scales to document improvements and guide post-treatment planning. Some patients will continue psychotherapy, medications, or wellness strategies alongside TMS to maintain gains.
Patients commonly report that while they may feel “lighter” or “more present,” the full impact of accelerated TMS often becomes clearer over the following two to four weeks as neural networks continue to recalibrate.
What Accelerated TMS Feels Like: The
Patient’s Perspective
Throughout the accelerated TMS journey, most patients describe the experience as:
- Physically tolerable, with scalp sensations that are noticeable but not painful
- Logistically intensive, requiring clear schedule coordination for multiple daily visits
- Emotionally varied, with moments of hope, fatigue, and gradual emotional shifts
- Mentally engaging, as patients reflect on their progress and recalibrate their expectations
Critically, patients are supported throughout by Dr. Hughes and the NeoPsych care team, ensuring ongoing clinical monitoring, emotional support, and tailored adjustments as needed.
Who Should Consider Accelerated TMS?
Accelerated TMS is appropriate for patients who:
- Have moderate to severe depression or PTSD not fully responsive to medications or therapy
- Prefer a non-drug treatment approach
- Can commit to the logistical demands of multiple daily sessions
- Are medically cleared without contraindications such as implanted metallic devices or seizure disorders
Not all patients are candidates. NeoPsych conducts a thorough evaluation to determine eligibility and ensures the treatment plan is aligned with the patient’s health status and goals.
A Thoughtful Step Toward Healing
For many patients, accelerated TMS represents a hopeful next step in their recovery journey, not as a standalone cure, but as a catalyst for meaningful change. At NeoPsych, Dr. Thomas Hughes and his team are committed to delivering this advanced treatment with clinical excellence, emotional sensitivity, and a clear focus on each patient’s unique story.
If you are interested in learning more about accelerated TMS, we invite you to contact NeoPsych for a private consultation. Together, we can explore whether this innovative approach is right for you and help chart a path toward healing and resilience.
