The Long-Term Benefits of TMS Therapy for Depression: What Patients Can Expect.
- Sophroneo Psychiatry
- Sep 24
- 4 min read
Updated: Sep 24
Depression can be persistent, but your treatment doesn’t have to be static. At Sophroneo, we use Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) to help people who haven’t improved enough with medication and psychotherapy. Below, you’ll find an evidence-based overview of how TMS works long-term, who benefits most, how we plan maintenance care, and why our clinical model emphasizes safety, measurement, and outcomes.
What is TMS and why do psychiatrists use it for hard-to-treat depression?
TMS is a noninvasive brain-stimulation treatment for major depressive disorder used when standard options haven’t worked. It uses focused magnetic pulses to modulate mood-related brain circuits, requires no anesthesia, and is delivered in brief outpatient sessions over several weeks. Authoritative medical sources describe TMS as FDA-cleared, non-surgical, and typically considered after failed medication trials.
Key takeaways (fast):
Noninvasive, outpatient, no systemic drug side effects.
Generally used when prior antidepressants/therapy were insufficient.
How durable are TMS results after the acute course?
TMS benefits often last months and can be maintained with follow-up sessions. Real-world outcome registries show meaningful response and remission after the acute course, and controlled studies suggest maintenance TMS can help prevent relapse, sometimes with fewer adverse events than pharmacologic strategies.
What the evidence suggests:
Acute effectiveness (real world): Large outcomes registries report high response and meaningful remission rates after a standard course.
Relapse prevention: A 2025 randomized trial found maintenance rTMS performed comparably to lithium for preventing relapse in treatment-resistant depression, with fewer adverse events than lithium.
Maintenance meta-analysis: Recent pooled data support maintenance rTMS to sustain gains and reduce relapse risk.
Why do many patients prefer TMS over ECT or another medication?
TMS provides effective depression relief without anesthesia, memory loss, or systemic side effects common to some alternatives. ECT can be life-saving but involves anesthesia and carries cognitive side-effect risk; adding more medications can increase systemic side effects.
At-a-glance comparison
Option | Invasiveness | Anesthesia | Typical side effects | Cognitive effects | Outpatient |
TMS | Noninvasive | No | Scalp discomfort, mild headache | None expected | Yes |
ECT | Procedure | Yes | Headache, nausea, myalgias | Temporary memory issues possible | Often |
Add-on meds | Systemic | No | GI, sleep, sexual, weight, etc. | None specific | Yes |
Sources for differences and side effects: NIMH overview of brain-stimulation therapies.
Which patients are good candidates for TMS at Sophroneo?
TMS suits adults with major depression who have not improved with one or more antidepressants and structured psychotherapy. Many insurers (including Medicare) cover TMS when specific criteria are met.
Good-fit signals:
Inadequate relief after ≥1 evidence-based antidepressant trial
Ongoing depressive symptoms despite therapy
Preference to avoid additional systemic medication side effects
Ability to attend weekday sessions during the acute phase
No disqualifying metal implants or seizure risk (we screen carefully)
How safe is TMS and what side effects should I expect?
TMS has an excellent safety profile with mostly mild, temporary side effects. The most common issues are scalp discomfort or transient headache that usually improve over the first week; serious events are rare when delivered by trained clinicians using proper screening.
What we do at Sophroneo to maximize safety:
Comprehensive pre-treatment medical screening (including seizure-risk review)
FDA-cleared devices, standardized cortical targeting, and dose calibration
Ongoing side-effect monitoring and dose adjustments across the course
What does a long-term TMS care plan look like?
A typical TMS plan includes a daily acute phase, a short taper, and optional maintenance sessions if symptoms return. Acute courses often run 5 days/week for ~4–6 weeks, followed by a taper; maintenance may be scheduled proactively or “as-needed” to protect gains.
Typical scheduling
Phase | Frequency | Duration | Goal |
Acute | 5×/week | 4–6 weeks | Achieve response/remission |
Taper | 2–3×/week → weekly | 1–3 weeks | Stabilize improvement |
Maintenance | Every 2–8 weeks (personalized) | Ongoing PRN | Prevent relapse |
Maintenance strategy is individualized and may be adjusted based on symptoms and measurement-based assessments; evidence for maintenance rTMS is growing.
Why choose Sophroneo for TMS care?
Sophroneo combines board-certified psychiatric oversight, measurement-based care, and insurance navigation to deliver safe, effective TMS. We integrate symptom rating scales each week, personalize coil placement and dosing, and coordinate with your therapist and prescriber to support durable recovery. (If you’d like, I can adapt this section with your exact credentials, device platform, and clinic outcomes.)
Ready to Explore NeuroStar TMS?
At Sophroneo Behavioral Health & TMS, we understand the mental and financial weight of seeking treatment. That’s why we offer personalized consultations, transparent pricing, and compassionate guidance to help you determine if NeuroStar TMS is right for you.
Visit https://www.soppsych.com/contact or call us at 770-999-9495 to book your consultation.
Please Note: This blog shares insights from real medical studies on treatment-resistant depression and TMS therapy. It’s for educational purposes only and not a substitute for medical advice. If you’re considering TMS, we encourage you to talk with your healthcare provider or connect with Sophroneo’s care team to explore the best options for you.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How quickly will I feel better with TMS? Many patients notice improvement within 2–3 weeks of the acute phase, with benefits consolidating by week 4–6. Timelines vary by individual biology and prior treatment history.
Q: Can I stay on my current medications during TMS? Yes, most patients continue existing meds; your psychiatrist will coordinate any dose changes to minimize side effects and optimize outcomes. (Clinical practice standard; insurer LCDs permit concurrent meds.)
Q: Do TMS results last after treatment ends? They can, many patients experience months of relief, and maintenance TMS can help prevent relapse when needed.
Q: Is TMS covered by insurance? Many plans, including Medicare, cover TMS when criteria are met (e.g., failed medication trials, confirmed MDD). Our team verifies benefits and handles authorizations.
Q: How does TMS compare to ECT for long-term results? ECT can be highly effective for severe, urgent cases but involves anesthesia and potential memory effects; TMS is outpatient, non-anesthetic, and has fewer cognitive risks. Your psychiatrist will guide the best fit.
Comments