How Long Do TMS Results Last: A Look Into the Longevity of Treatment

Persistent feelings of emptiness, hopelessness, and emotional heaviness mark depressive episodes. For some individuals, these symptoms continue despite appropriate therapy and medication. When standard treatments fail to provide relief, the condition is referred to as treatment-resistant depression – a serious challenge affecting many individuals today.

Between 2022 and 2023, the overall rate of those between the ages of 12-17 who experienced a depressive episode was approximately 17.5% of California residents.

At BNI Clinics, we have seen the toll treatment-resistant depression takes. We offer transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) as a way to provide much-needed symptom relief, allowing you to return to the life you once enjoyed. In this article, we are answering one of the most common questions we hear: How long do TMS results last?

How Effective Is TMS and How Long Do the Benefits Last?

Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) is a non-invasive treatment approved by the FDA for depression, OCD, tobacco use disorder, and various other mental health conditions. Research involving the efficacy of TMS is being conducted frequently, as there is little data on the subject. One study highlighted that at the 3-month mark of treatment, 58% of participants were considered in remission from depression. These results make TMS a viable option for those who haven’t responded to medication or therapy alone.

The effectiveness of TMS is influenced by several factors. Research estimates that the effects of TMS can last several months to a year or more. However, more studies are needed to investigate the frequency of treatments, the number of magnetic pulses, the intensity, and whether concurrent medication regimens are utilized. Pinpointing these factors will increase the overall efficacy of TMS in the future.

Is the Impact of TMS Treatment Long-Lasting or Permanent?

TMS is not a permanent cure, but it often provides long-lasting relief. The FDA recommends 20-30 sessions over 4-6 weeks. These sessions take place 5 days per week, with many reporting better sleep after 2 weeks and overall symptom improvement after 6 weeks. However, because depression and other mental health conditions are chronic, symptom recurrence is possible. Once TMS treatment is complete, continued involvement in therapy, regular physical activity, healthy sleep habits, and effective medication management help sustain the improvements.

What Affects How Long TMS Treatment Takes?

TMS treatment sessions last approximately 40 minutes and are conducted over 6 weeks. However, the overall timeline for experiencing noticeable change varies from person to person.

Several factors can influence the duration of treatment, including the severity and duration of symptoms, co-occurring conditions such as PTSD or substance use, the specific protocol used, and whether the person is enrolled in other forms of treatment, such as therapy or medication. The psychiatric and medical care teams will evaluate the results after each session, ensuring the plan is producing the desired effects.

Why TMS Outcomes Differ from One Person to Another

The goal of TMS is to stimulate neurons in the brain by depolarizing myelinated axons. TMS generates an electric field that directly affects axons in the targeted brain region, triggering complex responses involving various types of neurons. A single TMS pulse can induce a brief burst of high-frequency activity that persists beyond the stimulus and is influenced by the orientation of the electric field. Studies have explored which neurons are primarily activated, especially in the hand, as this area allows for easy measurement of muscle responses.

Why would TMS yield different results if a common area of the brain is utilized in each treatment? No two people have the exact same brain make-up. One person may need to adjust the angle of the device more frequently, while another may require higher frequencies. In addition, those managing co-occurring mental health conditions or trauma histories may take longer to respond. This is why the care team needs to keep detailed records and document treatment responses.

When Will I Start Seeing Results from TMS?

For some, improvements such as increased energy, reduced sadness, better sleep, and improved concentration begin in as little as 2 weeks. Large shifts in symptoms are often noticed between the 4 and 6 week mark. Tracking emotions and symptoms with a journal or app will help show how much progress is being made. Patience and communication with the care team are crucial for achieving results.

Early Indicators That TMS Therapy Is Working

Signs that TMS is beginning to take effect are subtle at first. Common indicators include:

• Waking up feeling more rested
• Having an increase in energy
• Experiencing mood shifts, such as a return of a sense of humor or fewer feelings of heaviness
• Engaging in activities that were once enjoyed

These do not necessarily begin overnight, but with continued treatment adherence, they will present. However, it’s important to note that fluctuations can still occur. A temporary plateau or increase in negative symptoms doesn’t mean the treatment isn’t working. In most cases, it is part of the brain’s adjustment process.

What If TMS Doesn’t Work? Understanding Non-Response

Not everyone responds to TMS. Research is always improving to predict if a non-response is likely as early as possible. However, studies have shown that while early improvement yielded higher success outcomes, some participants who did not experience early improvement still found TMS successful. Therefore, the predictability model requires further study.

Because each brain is different, the timeline of treatment will vary for each person. Frequent adjustments will prolong the process and possibly hinder results in the beginning. It is essential to complete the entire TMS regimen before concluding that it did not work.

If TMS doesn’t produce the desired outcome, there are other evidence-based options for treatment-resistant depression. The psychiatric team may suggest medication adjustments, ketamine treatment, and additional therapies.

Get TMS Therapy at BNI Clinics

If you feel like you have tried everything for your depression with no results, hope and relief are still available. TMS with BNI Clinics offers a non-invasive, pain-free solution for those who have tried all other treatments without success. Paired with proven therapies from top-level psychiatrists, you will have the tools needed to overcome depression for good.

BNI Clinics is a psychiatrist-led addiction and mental health treatment facility in Agoura Hills, CA. Specializing in treating adults and adolescents, their program includes alternative methods, including ketamine therapy. Call (310) 691-5005 to learn more.

BNI Treatment Centers: Science-based, evidence-backed, compassion-led.

Dr. Aram Keshishyan, PsyD.

Aram Keshishyan, PsyD. is a bilingual, Armenian-speaking, licensed clinical-forensic psychologist who has been practicing since 2013. Dr. Keshishyan emigrated to the United States at the age of 1 and grew up in the highly diverse Los Angeles County area. He obtained a Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology from the University of California, Los Angeles, and Master of Arts and Doctorate of Psychology degrees in Clinical-Forensic Psychology from Alliant International University, Alhambra.

Arastou Aminzadeh, MD

Dr. Aminzadeh co-founded BNI to provide patients with exceptional and complete care that goes beyond the regular standards. Each individual is unique and based on each person's genetic makeup, some have a more painful response to challenges that arise on their journey and need assistance to get back on track.