By 2026, TMS depression therapy will have grown to become a viable option for those who have not responded to other depression treatments. Stanford’s SAINT protocol (using magnetic pulses aimed at specific areas in the brain) shows rapid results, with 79% of patients showing substantial improvement, and 50% achieving remission after five days.
TMS depression therapy received FDA approval in 2022, and is now offered in 17 clinics across the country, with plans to grow this number to 34 by the end of this year. Because they are drug-free, outpatient, and have minimal side effects compared to other types of antidepressants and ECT (Electro Convulsive Therapy), TMS depression therapy offers patients who have tried other avenues of treating their depression the opportunity to try something new.
The target area in the brain (prefrontal cortex) for TMS depression therapy is the area most impacted by depression and research has demonstrated that people who complete TMS depression therapy report clearer thinking, renewed motivation and emotional stability. With more insurance plans providing coverage for TMS depression therapy, there is still a limited number of locations where people have access to TMS depression therapy.
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