A Faster Path to Relief with Accelerated TMS

At Goodwin Health Café, we’re always on the lookout for new evidence-based treatments that can restore hope to people navigating the challenges of depression—especially when traditional therapies have failed. One such promising innovation is accelerated repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS), a non-invasive treatment method that’s gaining traction for individuals with treatment-resistant depression (TRD).

A recent clinical study titled "Accelerated repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation in the treatment of depressive disorder resistant to a course of antidepressant medication" offers compelling evidence that accelerated rTMS could be a game-changer for those who’ve hit a wall with medication. Let’s explore what this means—and why it might matter to you or someone you care about.

What is Accelerated rTMS?

Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) was first introduced in the 1980s as a research tool. Since then, it has evolved into an FDA-approved treatment for depression that doesn’t respond to antidepressants. Unlike medications that affect the whole body, TMS targets specific areas of the brain—namely the left prefrontal cortex, which is involved in mood regulation—using magnetic pulses.

Traditional rTMS is typically administered once a day, five days a week, over the course of several weeks. Accelerated rTMS, however, condenses this schedule by delivering multiple sessions in a single day—aiming to reduce the total treatment time while maintaining effectiveness.

Why Does This Matter?

Roughly 30% of people diagnosed with Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) don’t respond to conventional treatment. This group often tries multiple antidepressants, talk therapy, lifestyle changes, and still finds themselves stuck in the grip of depression. Accelerated rTMS offers a potential path forward—with fewer treatment days, reduced disruption to daily life, and faster symptom relief.

In this recent study, researchers at Tehran University of Medical Sciences set out to test

whether an accelerated high-frequency rTMS protocol could offer meaningful relief for people with TRD. Over three weeks, 25 participants received multiple TMS sessions across six days. Each day included three 30-minute rTMS sessions, separated by short breaks. The sessions used a frequency of 10 Hz and targeted the left prefrontal cortex.

The Results: Promising Outcomes in a Short Timeframe

By the end of the three-week protocol, the results were clear: accelerated rTMS helped.

• 24% of participants (6 out of 25) reached remission, meaning their symptoms were significantly reduced to a level where they were no longer considered clinically depressed.

• 52% (13 out of 25) responded positively to the treatment, with marked improvements on standardized depression rating scales like the Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HDRS).

These may sound like modest numbers—but for people who have tried everything else, a 1 in 4 chance at remission is meaningful. In a world where mental health care can often feel like trial-and-error, treatments like this offer structure, science, and growing success rates.

What Makes This Treatment Different?

Time is one of the most precious resources in mental health treatment. The traditional TMS schedule typically takes 4–6 weeks. Accelerated rTMS offers an alternative that is:

• Time-efficient: Multiple sessions in one day mean fewer trips to the clinic.

• Non-invasive: No sedation, surgery, or systemic side effects like with some medications.

• Safe: This study confirmed that the treatment was well-tolerated, with no major adverse effects reported.

For many patients, especially those balancing work, caregiving, or other responsibilities, this compressed schedule could make the difference between choosing to start treatment and putting it off.

What It Means for Our Community at Goodwin Health Café

At Goodwin Health Cafe, we believe in personalized, compassionate care grounded in scientific research. We’re proud to offer Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation as part of our mental health services at 5625 N Wall St, Suite 100 Spokane, WA 99205 —and we're closely following studies like this one to stay informed about innovations in care.

Accelerated rTMS is not for everyone, but it offers a new level of flexibility and speed in treating depression. If you or someone you know is struggling with treatment-resistant depression, this may be a good time to consider your options.

Depression is complex, and healing is never one-size-fits-all. But the progress we’re seeing in studies like this signals a hopeful future—one where we can offer faster, more effective solutions for those who have waited too long for relief.

If you’re curious about rTMS or want to explore your treatment options, we’re here to help. Contact Goodwin Health Café today to schedule a consultation with our team of mental health professionals.

Citation:

Khalafi-Nezhad S, Yazdi-Ravandi S, Hassanzadeh S, Nikfarjam S, Farhoodi F. Accelerated repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation in the treatment of depressive disorder resistant to a course of antidepressant medication. Asian J Psychiatr. 2024 Dec;101:103889.