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Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) for long-term depression
Does anyone have any experience with TMS therapy for long term depression? I have fought the demons of depression for years. Some days are better than others, but finding the emotional energy to do anything other than go to work and do the job is next to impossible most of the time now. I have been on several different medications over the years. I can't say that any particular one made a notable difference at all. I am continually frustrated with a lack of energy and a lack of desire to do the things that I once enjoyed, and that I had looked forward to at this stage of life. Every day, I pretty much feel like "this is it" -- as good as it is ever going to get -- and the opportunity of any meaningful contribution of life is over -- done -- finished. Retirement is something that I longed for over the years. As it draws nearer, I fear it because I see myself just fading away and soon gone. So, I ask about TMS therapy. It is very expensive, requires a huge time committement, and is not covered by medical insurance. I have spoken with doctors (psychiatrists) at a couple of top hospitals in the nation and have not gotten stellar reports from them. The consensus was that it works for some but not for others and the success rates are fair at best overall. Having said that, my doc says they have seen amazing results from the therapy and people complete it and the negative thoughts are pretty much gone. He says their success rate is extremely high. I have not done it because: a) too much time away from work; b) too costly and not covered by medical insurance; c) the reports from two docs from world known excellent institutions which were not glowing. I have searched for answers for years, with none. Now, I have developed chronic pain in the lumbar area, legs, neck, shoulders, arms, etc. I am working on the back with a major pain managment group with some injections which I hope will help.
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I’m dying to know how it works! It’s usually prescribed for depression. I would like to know if it works for anxiety.
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1 Reaction@doorman, thanks for the response. I'm just getting started good with only nine treatments of thirty six. I'll be glad to update you later on.
I was also hoping for feedback here from others that have or will complete the program.
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2 ReactionsHi @clutch, here's an older discussion where members are talking about TMS that may interest you:
- Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) for long-term depression https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/tms-therapy-for-long-term-depression/
I'd like to bring @jancer2017 @kimmym @stup @anndomico @callalily74 @callalily74 @klonbgone and others to this discussion to share their experiences with TMS.
@clutch, you mention that you've had 9 or 36 treatments. Have you noticed any improvement? What are the sessions like?
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1 ReactionAre there any updates on transcranial magnetic stimulation that anyone could share?
I had TMS twice in my lifetime. The first round helped the depression 3 months. Then I went right back down. The second round made me worse! Got very irritable. I heard from my therapist that it rarely helps. Sorry to share that news. Maria.
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3 ReactionsI've had TMS 4 times since 2010 all for severe depression. The first time we only completed 9 treatment sessions (if I remember correctly) as it was too activating and was making me hypomanic despite me not having a hx of bipolar disorder. I then had it 2 times in 2016, once at the start of the year and once right at the end, and both times we completed the entire treatment and it was very successful allowing me to decrease the amount of medication I was taking. The 4 time we tried it was toward the end of 2017--we only completed 15 sessions. I didn't have side effects but we weren't noticing a response. During this treatment we also weren't following the daily administration protocol and were only doing it 3x week so that could have had something to do with it as well. As far as I'm concerned @clutch I hope that you have a positive response!
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4 ReactionsMuchas gracias
I did 36 sessions last fall. After the 16th treatment I felt great and could think more clearly. But it only lasted for 2 weeks and then I went back to where I was depression wise. I was absolutely devastated. It was a teaser to feel so well temporarily and then go back to misery. I completed all my treatments despite the rise and fall in the middle of it all. The TMS doctor insisted I had a placebo effect. I totally disagree. The relief I felt and the change in my cognition was immense and wonderful. Too bad it was short lived. I wish you the very best with your experience.
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5 Reactions@joli I see this is your 2nd post. I wanted to Welcome you to Mayo Clinic Connect. It sounds like TMS worked for you but only temporarily and that was devastating. That sounds incredibly difficult. Am I correct in thinking your depression is not being managed adequately at this time? I'm wondering what kind of treatment you are receiving?
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1 ReactionI finished my 36 treatments in July. It's a big investment in time, money, and commitment. Sorry to say, it did not help very much at all, if any.
I have long-standing Major Depression and Anxiety. Depression is resistant to most all medications after 30 years.
Disappointing results to say the least!
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