This article will compare the effectiveness of Deep TMS vs TMS in treating depression and help readers understand the differences.

Studies indicate that there has been a significant rise in depression across the United States, with a 60% increase among teens and adults collectively. The highest increase has been among children aged 12 to 17 in the last 10 years, with substantial jumps in all age groups under 34 and a significant increase in females compared to males. The first year of the pandemic brought a 25% increase in depression and anxiety, with trends continuing to rise.

As such, there is a growing demand for effective, non-invasive treatment options. Today, both Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) and Deep Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (Deep TMS) are innovative therapies to consider.

Understanding TMS and Deep TMS

Deep transcranial magnetic stimulation and traditional transcranial magnetic stimulation both rely on the same general processes to stimulate areas of the brain. When comparing TMS vs. deep TMS for depression treatment, it’s important to understand the mechanism of action between the two.

Mechanism of Action — Deep TMS vs TMS

Deep TMS uses a specialized coil that reaches deeper structures in the brain, hence the name. This means that deep TMS has the potential to modulate neural circuits for a wider array of conditions, while traditional TMS targets superficial areas associated with a smaller range of conditions.

So, what does deep TMS vs TMS look like?

• Traditional TMS primarily targets the surface-level cortical areas of the brain, while deep TMS reaches structures like the prefrontal cortex and the limbic system.
• Traditional TMS uses repeated magnetic pulses (rTMS) or single pulses in stimulation, while deep TMS uses a continuous electromagnetic field that relies on a specialized coil like an H-coil.
• Traditional TMS uses a figure 8 coil, while deep TMS uses a helmet-shaped coil, sometimes called the Hesed coil or H-coil.
• Clinically speaking, TMS is used for conditions like depression, anxiety, or PTSD, while deep TMS can treat neuropsychiatric conditions or treatment-resistant depression.
• Both are effective, but traditional TMS is limited by its depth, while deep TMS offers broader stimulation and deeper penetration, which makes it ideal for treatment-resistant depression.

Clinical Effectiveness — Deep TMS vs TMS

So, how do they compare in terms of their clinical effectiveness? When it comes to treating regular depression, TMS is highly efficacious. It reaches areas of the brain associated with depression symptoms and can provide immediate relief.

However, when it comes to treatment-resistant depression, the kind that especially has a high risk of things like suicidal ideations, deep TMS is much more efficacious because it reaches deeper areas of the brain with immediate results, and it doesn’t require equipment to map the brain the way that traditional TMS does. This means better results and faster results, which is essential when there are risks of harm to self or others.

Treatment Duration and Protocol Differences

When comparing deep brain stimulation vs. TMS, there are differences in the protocol and treatment duration.

• Traditional TMS involves daily sessions ranging between 30 minutes and 60 minutes over the span of several weeks, but deep TMS can often be completed in sessions up to 20 minutes that are less frequent.
• TMS often involves daily sessions over the span of several weeks, while deep TMS can provide fewer sessions with longer intervals in between, depending on the protocol.
• Traditional TMS often has a treatment schedule with daily sessions spanning between 4 and 6 weeks with a gradual taper, but deep TMS will include 4 weeks of acute treatment where sessions are conducted five times per week and then a continuation phase between 8 and 12 weeks with two sessions per week.

It is important to note that the treatment duration and protocol differences are also contingent on the condition being treated and your individual needs. This is something that will be discussed beforehand with your medical team.

Safety Profiles

Studies indicate that both conditions are considered safe and well-tolerated. Deep TMS tends to have higher rates of mild side effects like muscle pain and headaches as well as scalp discomfort in the treatment area, but these will typically subside after each session.

Deep TMS vs rTMS (Repetitive TMS)

So, what is rTMS, and how does it differ from deep TMS? rTMS is known as repetitive TMS. It is, in many cases, used synonymously with TMS or traditional TMS using the Figure 8 coil and penetrating depths of 0.7 CM compared to deep TMS, which can penetrate up to 3.2 cm. Repetitive TMS gets its name from the repetitive treatment sessions that repeatedly fire, whereas deep TMS offers deeper stimulation of the brain structures with continuous firing.

Deep Brain Stimulation vs TMS Therapies

So, how does Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS) compare to TMS therapies? Deep brain stimulation is an invasive surgical procedure where a device is implanted in the brain to provide regular stimulation. This, though effective for certain severe conditions, is an invasive method of treatment, which means it comes with several side effects and risks that non-invasive TMS methods do not have.

• Deep brain stimulation surgically implants electrodes into areas of the brain, while TMS methods use non-invasive magnetic pulses that stimulate your brain tissue.
• Deep brain stimulation is a surgical procedure designed to be a long-term therapy, while TMS provides immediate relief generally up to one year, at which point it has to be repeated.
• Deep brain stimulation has many potential side effects, including cognitive issues, mood changes, infections, and surgical complications, while transcranial magnetic stimulation does not have many side effects, let alone severe ones.
• Deep brain stimulation is incredibly expensive due to the implanting and surgery required, but it can be used to treat a wider range of issues, including epilepsy and Parkinson’s disease, while TMS is often better suited for depression.

Which Is More Effective for You?

There are several factors that influence your personal decision. While both have been shown to be effective in treating depression, those who are struggling with more severe cases of depression or treatment-resistant depression may benefit more from deep TMS compared to traditional TMS.
There are other things to consider, like personalized treatment planning with a qualified professional, as well as patient experiences and testimonials.

Summing Up

There are differences between deep tms vs. rtms when it comes to the mechanism, effectiveness, safety, cost, and accessibility. The option most effective for you in treating depression is going to be based on your personal circumstances and your history with other treatments as well as the type of depression with which you struggle.

Therefore, it is important that you discuss TMS options with mental health professionals to find the best treatment path.