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Accelerated vs. Standard TMS Protocols: Understanding the Differences
Mental health treatments have advanced drastically in the past few decades, and transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) is one of the most impressive noninvasive options for people struggling with treatment-resistant depression.
TMS, an FDA-approved therapy, uses magnetic pulses to stimulate the specific areas of your brain that serve as your emotional control center. For many, it’s provided life-changing relief when traditional treatments like medication and therapy haven’t worked.
At Breakthru Psychiatric Solutions in Atlanta, Georgia, Dr. Karen Giles and Dr. Cecilia Kwong offer two distinct treatment protocols for TMS — standard TMS and accelerated TMS. Though both are highly effective, their approach, duration, and other key factors differ considerably. The following is a comprehensive breakdown to help you decide the best fit.
What is standard TMS?
Standard TMS is the traditional protocol for delivering transcranial magnetic stimulation therapy. It’s been widely adopted and refined over years of clinical use.
Duration
Standard TMS typically involves treatment five days a week over six weeks, followed by a three-week taper period for a total treatment timeframe of approximately nine weeks.
Session length
Each session lasts about 19 minutes.
Technology
Standard TMS uses 10 Hz (hertz) electromagnetic pulses to target the areas of the brain responsible for mood regulation. These pulses stimulate neural pathways, helping to restore balance in brain regions affected by depression.
Results timeline
Most patients notice improvements starting in the fourth week of treatment, though you may observe changes sooner.
Insurance coverage
Standard TMS is FDA-approved and covered by most insurance plans with a depression diagnosis and 3 or more antidepressants in your medication history.
What is accelerated TMS?
Accelerated TMS, a newer advancement in TMS technology, delivers the same therapeutic benefits as standard TMS, but in less time. It’s a great option if you need faster results or are limited by time constraints.
Duration
The protocol is completed within two weeks, significantly shorter than standard TMS. You undergo four treatments per day, five days a week, for a total of 40 sessions.
Session structure
Accelerated TMS uses intermittent theta burst (iTBS) electromagnetic pulses. Each treatment lasts just three minutes, so you can receive multiple sessions in one day while taking breaks in between. You can expect to spend 3.5 - 4 hours/day in the clinic.
Technology
The iTBS technology in accelerated TMS stimulates the same mood-regulating regions of the brain as standard TMS but uses shorter, high-frequency bursts to achieve results.
Results timeline
Many patients report noticeable improvements as early as the fourth day of treatment, significantly faster than standard TMS protocols.
Insurance coverage
Currently, accelerated TMS is not yet covered by insurance due to its classification as a newer treatment modality. However, early studies and patient success stories are paving the way for potential coverage in the future.
Choosing the right TMS protocol for you
Choosing between standard TMS and accelerated TMS largely depends on your personal preferences, schedule flexibility, and financial situation. Here are some factors to consider:
1. Time commitment
If you have a busy schedule and need a faster solution, accelerated TMS may be the ideal choice. However, accelerated TMS requires a longer daily time commitment (approximately 3.5 hours compared to a 30-minute appointment for standard TMS).
2. Insurance coverage
If you’re relying on insurance to cover treatment costs, standard TMS is the more affordable option.
3. Urgency of results
If you need quick symptom relief, accelerated TMS delivers faster results, often within the first week of treatment.
4. Treatment experience
Both treatments are noninvasive with minimal side effects.
Start your journey to relief today
Transcranial magnetic stimulation, whether standard or accelerated, has the power to transform your battle with treatment-resistant depression.
Schedule a free consultation at Breakthru Psychiatric Solutions in Sandy Springs or Alpharetta, Georgia, today to explore how TMS can help you or a loved one on the path to better mental health.