How Long Does TMS Last? A Realistic Look at Results Over Time

Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) remission rates are impressive, but just how long does TMS last? There isn’t one set answer, since our brains all work a little differently, but some studies suggest TMS treatment outcomes may last six to twelve months. Even if results fade, TMS maintenance sessions may provide an extra boost. 

Quick answers

• TMS benefits last up to a year in some studies. 
• Some patients experience remission or symptom reduction for longer than a year.
• If symptoms return, maintenance or booster sessions may be helpful. Sometimes only one maintenance TMS treatment is needed to bring patients back into remission.

What the research says about how long TMS lasts (aka duration)

It’s hard to predict TMS’ long-term effects since they vary from person to person, but the available research provides clues:

• A study on SAINT TMS, one of the fastest TMS protocols offered at Radial, demonstrated strong long-term outcomes in individuals with treatment-resistant depression. Participants of the study had previously completed an average of 5.7 antidepressant trials, yet maintained remission for approximately 85% of the 12-month follow-up period with individualized maintenance treatments as needed.
• In another study, accelerated deep TMS for major depressive disorder demonstrated a six-month durability rate of 93%, suggesting that treatment benefits were largely maintained over time.
• “The longest response we've measured is in patients with obsessive compulsive disorder treated with the brainsway h7 coil,” says Owen Muir, MD, DFAACAP, chief medical officer at Radial, who adds that research has demonstrated adolescent OCD remitted for three years in some participants. 

What affects TMS duration?

A few factors can impact TMS results duration:

• TMS type: TMS is actually an umbrella term with many subtypes. Deep TMS, often leads to better results, says Dr. Muir, though they may not last as long. “There may be a trade off here,” he adds, noting that a TMS clinic like Radial can help determine the right type for you.
• Diagnosis: In his practice. Dr. Muir says treatment of OCD tends to be when TMS lasts the longest.
• Severity: Dr. Muir also considers symptom severity. “If you have really bad depression that's been highly treatment-refractory, we know it doesn’t last as long,” he says.
• Concurrent treatments: It’s actually completely safe (and sometimes recommended) to take medications or do talk therapy alongside TMS, though you might not want to change your medications during TMS treatment. Participants in one study who made medication changes while getting TMS spent less time  in remission.

If symptoms return, what comes next?

When it comes to TMS relapse (and retreatment)there's no definitive answer to when or if you'll need treatment again. “Although there are some people who only need one round of TMS treatment, retreatment with TMS routinely works,” says Dr. Muir, “Patients go back into remission reliably. So if you remitted with TMS once, you're highly likely to remit again.”

Still, it's tricky to answer the question, "Does TMS wear off?" The answer is, it might for some people and not for others. 

Dr. Muir likes to think about TMS like filling up a gas tank for a car: We all drive different amounts and get different miles per gallon, so it makes it hard to predict when you may need to fill up again. Working with an experienced TMS clinic like Radial can help you figure out when your metaphorical tank is running low, and what steps to take next.

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