What does this rating mean?
In transcranial magnetic stimulation ('TMS'), a magnetic coil is placed next to the scalp. The coil delivers magnetic pulses which cause electrical changes in the brain and stimulate brain cells. The magnetic pulses are delivered repeatedly, so the treatment is known as repetitive TMS (rTMS).
rTMS for depression usually involves multiple sessions, delivered daily over a few weeks. Each session usually lasts around 30 minutes.
In the most commonly used form of rTMS, the coil is placed over the left front area of the brain. This type of rTMS uses fast pulses. It is called High Frequency rTMS. Low Frequency rTMS uses slower pulses. In this form, the coil is placed over the right front area of the brain or over both sides of the brain.
rTMS changes brain activity. It is not known exactly how this affects depression.
High frequency rTMS increases activity in parts of the brain that may be under-active in people with depression. Low frequency rTMS decreases activity in parts of the brain that may be overactive.
rTMS can also change blood flow in the brain and the concentration of different brain chemicals.
Some studies have compared rTMS with sham rTMS to see if rTMS is effective. In the sham form of rTMS, either a fake coil is placed over the scalp, or a real coil is used but is pointed away from the scalp.
There is evidence that rTMS is a more effective treatment for depression than sham rTMS, in adults who have not been helped by medication or psychological therapies. However, many studies involve small groups of people only and they are differences in the characteristics of the people studied.
Other studies have compared high frequency rTMS to ECT (Electroconvulsive Therapy). In these studies, ECT was more effective at reducing depression symptoms, but rTMS generally has fewer side effects.
There is also evidence which suggests that rTMS is effective for older adults.
More research is needed on rTMS in order to work out the best ways to use rTMS, since the treatments used in different studies have not been exactly the same. For example, the number of treatments or exactly how TMS is delivered is not always the same over different studies. It is also not yet clear whether successful rTMS treatments produce improvements that last over time.
TMS has mainly been studied in adults and older adults. There is little evidence about TMS use in children and adolescents.
Some common side effects of rTMS include headaches, discomfort on the scalp, tingling and light-headedness. More serious side effects are rare. Serious side effects include seizures, hearing loss, and mania. Doctors use rTMS under special guidelines designed to reduce the risk of seizures and other problems.
More research is needed to understand if there are any long-term side effects of rTMS.
rTMS is available in many parts of Australia although it can be hard to get. It is available through some state public health systems. It is available in research trials and some clinics and hospitals offer rTMS as a private health service.
rTMS can be expensive and is not currently covered by Medicare. If you are interested in rTMS it is recommended you speak to a GP who can provide more information.
Psychological therapies and anti-depressant medication are still the first options for treatment. If these are not helpful for your depression, you might consider rTMS. Your doctor will help you work out if rTMS might be suitable for you. If you are treated with rTMS, specialist doctors will work out which type is best for your condition.
rTMS can be effective for adults and older adults. However, more research is needed before a recommendation can be made for children and adolescents.
Last reviewed and updated: 24 April 2023
These treatments are very useful. They are strongly supported as effective by scientific evidence.
These treatments are promising and may be useful. They have some evidence to support them, but more evidence is needed to be sure they work.
