Accelerated TMS Therapy:
A Comprehensive Solution for Rapid Relief

Accelerated Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (Accelerated TMS Therapy or aTMS) is revolutionizing the way we treat mental health conditions, providing faster relief for patients struggling with depression and other mood disorders. If you or someone you love has tried conventional treatments without success, Accelerated TMS offers a promising new way forward. This innovative approach combines the power of transcranial magnetic stimulation with an intensive treatment schedule, delivering quicker results than traditional TMS protocols.

We will explain how Accelerated TMS works, its advantages over traditional treatment methods, the specific conditions it treats, and the significant difference it can make in improving quality of life.

What Is Accelerated TMS Therapy?

Accelerated TMS is a cutting-edge treatment based on the principles of Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS). Traditional TMS uses targeted magnetic pulses to stimulate nerve cells in the brain, focusing on areas associated with mood regulation, such as the prefrontal cortex. It has been shown to be an effective, non-invasive therapy for Major Depressive Disorder (MDD), particularly for patients who haven’t responded well to medications or other forms of treatment.

Accelerated TMS enhances this already effective therapy by significantly compressing the treatment timeline. Instead of the traditional schedule of one session a day for 6 weeks, followed by a taper period, accelerated protocols involve several sessions per day—sometimes as many as 10—often completing treatment in about one week. This intensity allows for faster symptom relief, making it a powerful option for patients in urgent need.

How Does Accelerated TMS Therapy Work?

Accelerated TMS uses magnetic pulses to stimulate regions of the brain that are underactive in individuals with depression. These magnetic pulses are applied externally; no anesthesia is required, making it a comfortable outpatient treatment. The targeted pulses help stimulate brain cells, encouraging improved connectivity and communication among neurons in brain regions that regulate mood.

In an Accelerated TMS program, the process involves:

1. Targeting Specific Areas of the Brain: Using advanced imaging and targeting techniques, the precise areas of the brain associated with mood are mapped and targeted. In most cases, the left prefrontal cortex, which is often underactive in depressed individuals, is the focal point of treatment.
2. Multiple Sessions per Day: Accelerated TMS is much more intensive than traditional TMS. Patients may receive up to 10 treatment sessions per day, spaced with sufficient breaks to ensure comfort and safety. The accelerated approach aims to achieve therapeutic results in a fraction of the time, helping individuals feel better faster.
3. Non-Invasive and Safe: Accelerated TMS, like traditional TMS, is non-invasive. There is no need for surgery or sedation, and patients remain awake throughout the sessions. Most patients are able to resume their regular activities shortly after treatment, making it a convenient option.

Who Can Benefit from Accelerated TMS Therapy?

Accelerated TMS is particularly effective for individuals with treatment-resistant depression, a form of depression that does not respond adequately to traditional medications or psychotherapy. Patients with other conditions may also benefit, including:

• Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder
• Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder

If traditional approaches have not adequately relieved your symptoms, Accelerated TMS could offer a more efficient path to feeling better. Its rapid treatment schedule is ideal for individuals who are struggling significantly and need quicker intervention.

The Advantages of Accelerated TMS Therapy

1. Faster Relief: One of the most significant benefits of Accelerated TMS is the speed at which patients experience relief. By condensing the treatment timeline from weeks to just a few days, many patients report symptom improvements in less than a week—which can be life-changing for those in acute distress.
2. Improved Patient Experience: With the traditional TMS approach, patients must commit to visiting a clinic five days a week over the course of several weeks. This schedule can be challenging for many, especially if they have work or other responsibilities. Accelerated TMS provides the opportunity to complete treatment quickly, reducing the burden of multiple visits over an extended period.
3. High Efficacy Rates: Studies have indicated that Accelerated TMS can be just as effective as traditional TMS protocols. Research conducted at Stanford University has shown that accelerated treatment protocols, like Stanford Accelerated Intelligent Neuromodulation Therapy (SAINT), can produce rapid improvements, even in patients with severe depression who have failed other treatments.
4. Non-Drug Treatment: Unlike medications, which can take weeks to begin working and often come with side effects, Accelerated TMS works without the use of drugs. This is especially important for patients who cannot tolerate medication side effects or have not found relief through pharmacotherapy.
5. Minimal Side Effects: Accelerated TMS is well tolerated by most patients, with side effects that are generally mild and temporary. The most common side effects include headaches and scalp discomfort at the stimulation site. Rarely some individuals may experience seizures, but these are extremely uncommon. The non-invasive nature of TMS means that there is no risk of long-term side effects, which is a significant advantage over many pharmacological treatments.

The Science Behind Accelerated TMS

Accelerated TMS is grounded in neuroplasticity—the brain’s ability to reorganize itself by forming new neural connections. Depression and other mood disorders are often associated with reduced activity in specific areas of the brain. By stimulating these areas, TMS helps increase neuronal activity, which can improve mood and cognitive function.

Accelerated TMS applies the same principle but in a concentrated manner, utilizing frequent sessions to enhance neuroplasticity more rapidly. The cumulative effect of intensive, repeated stimulation aims to achieve therapeutic goals in a shorter period, offering quicker symptom resolution.

What to Expect During Accelerated TMS Treatment

If you are considering Accelerated TMS, it is helpful to understand what the treatment process involves. Here’s what you can expect:

Initial Evaluation: Before starting treatment, you will meet with Dr. Stubbeman for an initial evaluation. This step involves discussing your medical history, symptoms, and previous treatments. The goal is to ensure that TMS—specifically Accelerated TMS—is the right fit for you.

Treatment Sessions: During each session, you will be seated in a comfortable chair, and a specialized coil will be positioned against your scalp. The coil delivers stimulation to targeted areas of your brain. Each session typically lasts around 30 minutes, depending on the treatment protocol. During Accelerated TMS, these sessions are repeated multiple times throughout the day.

Minimal Discomfort: Most patients describe the sensation as tapping or clicking against the scalp. Some may experience mild discomfort or headache, but these side effects generally subside quickly.

Completion of Treatment: Many patients report significant improvement in their symptoms after completing the series of Accelerated TMS sessions. Follow-up evaluations are conducted to monitor progress and determine if additional treatment is necessary.

Is Accelerated TMS Therapy Right for You?

Accelerated TMS is an excellent option for individuals who:

• Have treatment-resistant depression or other mood disorders that have not responded to medications or traditional therapies.
• Need a faster treatment option due to the severity of symptoms.
• Are unable to tolerate the side effects of antidepressant medications.
• Prefer a non-invasive, drug-free treatment approach.

If you are experiencing depression or another mental health condition that has not responded to other treatments, Accelerated TMS could be the answer you have been seeking. This therapy's quick and intensive nature can provide rapid relief, helping you regain control of your life.