If you’re considering TMS (Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation) therapy for depression, one of the most important questions on your mind is likely: “How long will the benefits last?” This is a valid concern for anyone investing time and energy into treatment. The good news is that research and clinical experience show TMS therapy can provide lasting relief from depression symptoms—often for months or even years after completing treatment.
At Advantage TMS, we’ve witnessed hundreds of patients experience sustained improvements in their mental health following TMS therapy. Understanding what to expect can help you make an informed decision about whether this FDA-cleared treatment is right for you.
Clinical studies provide encouraging data about how long TMS therapy results can last. Research demonstrates that many patients maintain their improvements well beyond the initial treatment period.
In clinical trials, approximately two out of three patients who responded positively to TMS or achieved complete remission from depression symptoms reported maintaining those improvements 12 months later. This means the majority of people who benefit from TMS continue to feel better a full year after completing their treatment sessions.
Even more encouraging, only one in three patients needed to return for maintenance TMS sessions during that time. This suggests that for most people, the initial course of treatment provides sustained relief without requiring frequent follow-up sessions.
While these statistics are promising, it’s important to recognize that everyone’s experience with TMS therapy is unique. Several factors can influence how long the positive effects last for each individual:
Severity of Depression: People with less severe depression may experience longer-lasting benefits compared to those with more treatment-resistant forms of the condition.
Treatment Adherence: Completing the full recommended course of TMS sessions—typically 19-37 minute sessions five times per week over six weeks—gives you the best chance of experiencing lasting results.
Lifestyle Factors: Your daily habits, stress levels, sleep quality, nutrition, and physical activity all play a role in maintaining mental health improvements.
Ongoing Support: Combining TMS with other forms of care, such as therapy or lifestyle modifications, can help extend the benefits.
TMS therapy works by using magnetic pulses to stimulate areas of the brain responsible for mood regulation. In people with depression, the nerve cells in the prefrontal cortex are often underactive or “sluggish.” The electromagnetic fields generated during TMS help wake up these neural pathways.
Over the course of treatment, TMS has the potential to normalize brain chemistry, creating lasting changes in how your brain functions. This is different from medication, which must be taken continuously to maintain its effects. Once TMS has helped reset your neural networks to healthier patterns, those changes can persist even after treatment ends.
Think of it like physical therapy for the brain. Just as rehabilitating an injured muscle can lead to long-term improvements in strength and function, TMS can create enduring positive changes in brain activity patterns.
Most patients completing TMS therapy at Advantage TMS notice significant improvements during their treatment course. As neural networks begin functioning more effectively, the fog of depression lifts, and patients report increased energy, better concentration, improved memory, and an overall better mood.
After completing the initial six-week treatment period, we don’t simply send you on your way. Advantage TMS provides comprehensive aftercare to support your continued mental health:
Monthly Follow-Ups: We conduct regular check-ins to monitor how you’re feeling and address any concerns.
Maintenance Sessions: We offer complimentary maintenance sessions to all patients who complete treatment. If you notice symptoms beginning to return, a few additional TMS sessions can often restore your improvements.
Alumni Support: You’ll have continued access to group therapy sessions and monthly events, helping you stay connected to a supportive community.
Ongoing Care: Our Licensed Clinical Social Worker and support team remain available to provide guidance as you maintain your progress.
For some individuals, occasional maintenance sessions help extend the benefits of TMS therapy. These are typically shorter and less frequent than the initial treatment course. If you begin experiencing a return of symptoms, maintenance TMS can often prevent a full relapse and keep you feeling your best.
The beauty of maintenance sessions is that they’re personalized to your needs. Some patients may benefit from a few sessions every several months, while others may go much longer between treatments or not need them at all.
While TMS therapy itself can create lasting changes, there are steps you can take to help maintain and extend your improvements:
Engage with Cognitive Behavioral Therapy: TMS works best when combined with therapy. At Advantage TMS, we offer group therapy sessions free of charge to both current patients and alumni. Understanding and modifying thought patterns helps you fully integrate the neurological changes TMS creates.
Address Lifestyle Factors: Clinical studies have proven that exercise, adequate sunlight exposure, and proper nutrition can have a significant impact on mental health. We provide fitness trackers to help you monitor your progress, and our nutritionist discusses healthy lifestyle goals with patients.
Stay Connected: Isolation can worsen depression symptoms. Participating in social activities, hobbies, and our community events helps maintain the progress you’ve made.
Monitor Your Mental Health: Pay attention to your symptoms and mood. If you notice changes, reach out to our team early. Early intervention with maintenance sessions can prevent a return of severe symptoms.
At Advantage TMS, we’ve helped hundreds of patients over the past nine years achieve lasting relief from depression. Our approach combines sophisticated TMS technology with personalized care, cognitive behavioral therapy, and lifestyle support to give you the best possible outcomes. We’re also open 8 am – 8 pm and on Saturdays to accommodate busy schedules.
We understand that making the decision to pursue TMS therapy involves weighing the time commitment against the potential benefits. The fact that most patients maintain their improvements for a year or longer—and that many experience even more extended relief—makes TMS a worthwhile investment in your mental health and quality of life.
If you’re ready to learn more about how TMS therapy can provide lasting relief from depression, contact us today to schedule a free consultation. We’re open from 8 am to 8 pm Monday through Thursday, and 8 am to 4 pm Friday and Saturday, making it convenient to fit treatment into your schedule.
You don’t have to continue struggling with depression. TMS therapy offers hope for long-term improvement, and at Advantage TMS, we’re here to support you every step of the way—during treatment and beyond.
Pridmore, S., Erger, S., & May, T. (2019). Second Courses of Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) in Major Depressive Episodes for Initial Responders and Non-Responders. The Malaysian journal of medical sciences : MJMS, 26(3), 102–109. https://doi.org/10.21315/mjms2019.26.3.8
Chang, J., Chu, Y., Ren, Y., Li, C., Wang, Y., & Chu, X. P. (2020). Maintenance treatment of transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) for treatment-resistant depression patients responding to acute TMS treatment. International journal of physiology, pathophysiology and pharmacology, 12(5), 128–133.
Our office is closed December 25th for Christmas and January 1st for New Years Day. If you have any questions or urgent requests, please email us at info@advantagementalhealth.com.
Please fill out the form if you have a patient interested in learning more about TMS treatment. We appreciate the referral and partnership.
Next Steps:
• Our TMS Coordinator will contact the patient to schedule a complimentary information session.
• If the patient decides to seek TMS treatment with Advantage TMS, we will communicate with you when necessary and the patient will continue to work with you while receiving treatment.
Questions?
• Please don’t hesitate to contact us at 727-600-8093 or info@advantagementalhealth.com
