Setting the Stage
Living with Major Depressive Disorder or Anxiety Disorders can feel overwhelming – especially when you’ve tried everything, from antidepressants like SSRIs to talk therapy, with little to no relief. For those navigating the challenges of treatment-resistant depression, there is hope in a newer, FDA-approved option: Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation, also known as TMS therapy. This non-invasive treatment uses magnetic fields to stimulate targeted areas of the brain, such as the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex, and has shown promising results throughout over 20+ years of research and clinical trials . In this post, we’ll share the real stories of individuals who were once uncertain about TMS therapy but ultimately experienced meaningful improvements in their mental health.
Initial Skepticism and Why They Considered TMS
One patient who had been living with major depression for years shared how life-changing TMS was for her after trying multiple treatment options. Despite experiencing persistent symptoms like fatigue, sadness, and a lack of motivation, traditional approaches – such as antidepressant medications and talk therapy – hadn’t brought her lasting relief. Curious but skeptical about brain stimulation and its role in treating depression, she decided to try TMS after consulting with Dr. Elliott about her options.
“Doing TMS has been the best decision of my life. I have dealt with severe depression for years with little reprieve from medications. I can honestly say I feel more normal and content than I have in years. I didn’t think I would ever get to this point, but Dr. Elliott and her team made it possible.”
For patients who struggle with the side effects of antidepressants or have not found success with electroconvulsive therapy or other methods, TMS can offer a promising alternative.
Starting TMS Treatment
Before beginning rTMS treatment, one patient consulted with our TMS Coordinator to discuss her goals and learn more about available TMS protocols. During her first treatment session, the team at Sunrise Psychiatry identified the part of the brain targeted for TMS – the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex – and delivered direct magnetic pulses. As an outpatient treatment, her daily sessions were quick and fit easily into her routine.
“It was super easy. Dr. Elliott’s staff made me feel very comfortable. They walked me through the process very well, so I always knew what to expect before treatment. It was a daily treatment, so I would go into her office first thing in the morning before work started and just knock that out real quick. It only took about 15-20 minutes of my day, and then I would go about the rest of my day- no side effects or anything really from it. It’s honestly been so effective. It’s been very helpful.”
By the end of her first week of TMS treatment sessions, she reported minimal side effects and a growing sense of relief.
Turning Point and Improvement
It’s important to understand that while TMS therapy offers significant improvements, it may take a few weeks for patients to notice noticeable changes. Most patients begin to see improvement as early as two weeks into their treatment, while others may start to feel the difference closer to the four-week mark. These early improvements – such as being able to get out of bed in the morning or tackle tasks like going to the store, can be life-changing for many patients. The response rates for TMS therapy are promising, with success rates at our clinic showing 60% of patients achieving remission and 90% reporting a positive response based on data from real patients over the last two years. As a form of neuromodulation, TMS continues to prove its effectiveness in the treatment of depression and anxiety, offering hope for those seeking a reliable mental health treatment option.
Where They Are Now
For this patient, TMS became a pivotal part of her mental health recovery. Before starting treatment, her anxiety and depression were severely impacting both her work and relationships. However, after completing the full TMS protocol, she experienced a noticeable boost in energy and was able to re-engage with hobbies and activities she had previously struggled to enjoy.
“TMS really helped alleviate those symptoms… It was really helpful,” she shared. While she saw about a 50% improvement by the end of her three-month treatment, the most significant progress came after the sessions ended. “My symptoms have continued to improve even without continuing the treatment—just building off the progress we made. I finally feel like I’ve reached the full maximum benefit of it and it’s been great.”
Her experience reflects the power of TMS as an effective treatment option, but it also underscores the importance of continued care. Many patients continue to work with their clinicians, integrating psychotherapy or medication to maintain their progress and support their long-term wellness. This patient, like many others, found that TMS gave her the foundation she needed to rebuild and strengthen her mental health, showing how this treatment can be part of a broader, ongoing mental health strategy.
Hope for Others
TMS therapy is offering new hope to individuals who once felt stuck in their treatment plans, providing relief to those struggling with persistent mental health conditions. FDA-cleared options like theta burst stimulation, a three-minute version of TMS, are continuously improving both accessibility and outcomes, giving more people the chance to experience the positive changes they deserve. As a non-invasive treatment backed by clinical trials and growing evidence, TMS therapy is becoming an essential part of modern psychiatry, offering real solutions where other options may have fallen short.
If you’re wondering whether TMS could be the next step in your healing journey, we encourage you to speak with a clinician at Sunrise Psychiatry or start with a self assessment to find out if TMS therapy might be right for you. Reach out today to schedule a consultation or referral, and take that first step toward feeling like yourself again.