Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation
TMS is a treatment that offers long-term relief and remission from symptoms of mental health disorders. It utilizes a high powered magnetic pulse to deliver stimulation to targeted areas of the brain. It has been involved in depression, anxiety, OCD and other brain conditions. Unlike oral medications, TMS does not cause undesired systemic side effects such as weight gain, sleeping problems, or sexual dysfunction. Because there is no anesthesia involved, patients can drive themselves to their appointments.
The FDA has cleared TMS for treating Treatment-Resistant Depression (TRD), Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD), Adolescent Depression (15 and older) and most recently, PTSD using MeRT guidance.
Additionally, current clinical research highlights its growing benefits for addressing symptoms of Generalized Anxiety Disorder and Anorexia Nervosa.
Future clinical applications are expanding, with ongoing studies evaluating the efficacy of TMS for neurodegenerative and neurological conditions including:
Chronic pain and fibromyalgia
Parkinson’s disease
Post stroke recovery
References:
Consensus review and considerations on TMS to treat depression
The Seville method for comorbid anxiety and depression
The impact of TMS on anxiety and cognitive function in GAD
Efficacy of TMS in anorexia nervosa
Our TMS Options
-
Standard TMS Treatment
The Standard TMS Treatment Protocol is a 15-30 minute appointment which is typically covered by insurance with a prior authorization. Treatments are typically 5 days per week, Monday-Friday, until 36 treatments have been completed. It typically takes 2 months to complete a full course of standard TMS. Most patients who respond to treatment begin to feel better between 10-20 treatments (2-4 weeks). Patients who respond to TMS generally report sustained benefits for up to 12-months or even several years. At some point, maintenance or repeat treatment will likely be required to maintain the benefits.
-
Accelerated TMS Therapy (aTMS)
Accelerated TMS protocols continue to expand and involve multiple TMS treatments in a span of 1-10 days. Accelerated TMS protocols have consistently been shown to have high response and remission rates, similar and sometimes better than the standard TMS protocol. They are not yet FDA approved and are not covered by insurance. For busy professionals or those who don’t have a TMS clinic nearby, they offer a more accessible way to complete TMS.
Reference:
You’re never alone during a TMS treatment session.
TMS FAQ’s
What does a TMS session look like?
During your TMS treatment, you will sit in a chair that looks similar to a dentist chair. The TMS technician will provide you with a cap and earplugs for you to wear during your treatments. TMS sounds like clicking and feels like tapping on your head. Depending on the type of TMS, the treatment will be between 6-30 minutes in length.
Is TMS covered by insurance?
Yes - most insurers will pay for TMS treatment if you’ve tried two to four medications without relief of your symptoms.
Who is Camden Interventional Psychiatry credentialed with?
We’re credentialed with most major insurance carriers in Maine including all of the following:
