The Effectiveness of TMS for Depression (Patient Treatment Review)

In another one of our patient reviews who received TMS treatment for depression, we have a female patient in her mid-fifties treated in the St Albans Clinic in 2024. For studies, please read the evidence of the effectiveness of TMS for depression.   

Patient history 

The patient began to experience depression at age 30 and was previously treated with antidepressants and TMS. She was treated with a round of TMS in 2019/2020 and experienced a positive response to treatment.  

In her assessment prior to beginning TMS treatment with Smart TMS, the patient reported symptoms of low mood, social withdrawal, increased sleep time, negative self-view, and feeling like she’d let everyone down. The recent episode of depression was triggered by several family health issues, along with her demanding job.  

Treatment journey 

The patient completed 29 sessions over a 3-month period on our previous First Line Depression Protocol (cTBS over the L-DLPFC, and 10hz rTMS over the R-DLPFC). She noticed a positive response to treatment after only 6 sessions, with her PHQ-9 score reducing from 19-8 within a week of TMS.  

The patient typically attended 2 sessions a day, once or twice a week, with her last 5 sessions being tapered across 3 weeks.  

TMS therapy for depression: results 

Treatment outcome & review 

Results of the TMS therapy for depression saw the patient’s PHQ-9 score reduced from 19-8 within a week of treatment and further reduced to 3 by the end of her 29 sessions. She experienced a slight increase in depression and anxiety symptoms mid-way through treatment, but this was accounted for by the stress regarding her imminent return to work.  

Upon completion of her treatment course, her mood had drastically improved, and all her anxiety symptoms were absent.  

Ready to take the next step toward recovery? 

If you are living with depression and traditional treatments have not worked, then consider Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation. TMS could be the breakthrough treatment you need to feel yourself again. At Smart TMS, our expert team delivers evidence-based, non-invasive treatment with real results – just like the patient featured above. 

Book your free consultation today and discover how TMS could help.