Smart TMS recently completed our yearly audit, which includes updated response and remission rates for 861 patients treated since our inception in 2015. This includes patients across the spectrum of conditions treated at Smart TMS, including depression, anxiety, OCD, PTSD and Addiction. We have treated over 861 patients delivering over 930 treatment rounds and found that 65% of patients saw a reduction in their symptoms by at least 20%.
We used a reduction in symptoms of at least 35% as our criteria for a significant response. We believe this level of reduction will generally be indicative of a marked improvement in the quality of life for patients. Remission was defined by cut-off scores for the psychometrics used for each condition.
Depression:
In those we treated for depression, 56% (189 / 340) responded well to the treatment and saw a significant improvement in their symptoms, with 52% (134 / 257) seeing a reduction in anxiety. 49% went into remission.
In young adults, the treatment was even more effective. 78% (7/9) of those under the age of 18 who were treated for depression at Smart TMS went into remission. This is hugely encouraging given the complications of prescribing anti-depressant medication in young people.
While comprising a smaller sample size, 67% (20/30) of bipolar depression patients saw a significant response.
Addiction:
Perhaps our most striking results were seen in our treatment of addiction. Over 80% (19/23) of cocaine addiction patients saw a significant easing of cravings. This was after a maximum of just 15 sessions completed over a period of three weeks. Maintenance sessions tapering down to once monthly can then be used to help keep cravings at bay.
With many other addiction programmes involving lengthy and costly inpatient stays, we would recommend TMS as a highly viable alternative, particularly for those struggling with addiction to cocaine. TMS helps to repair dopamine pathways damaged by drug use, while also improving mood, and motivation and restoring interest in activities outside of the addiction.
OCD:
30% (33/111) of our OCD patients saw a significant improvement in symptoms, with 28% (29/103) reaching remission. Interestingly, just under half of our OCD patients also saw a reduction in depressive symptoms, suggesting TMS can be a very useful treatment for those who suffer from OCD and Depression comorbidly.
Audit Criteria:
Inclusion criteria for depression: Patients were over 18 years old, completed 15-36 sessions and had a baseline PHQ-9 score of 10 or more.
Patients included in the analyses had between 15-36 sessions (depression), 5-36 sessions (OCD), 5-15 sessions (Addiction).
Find out more:
Smart TMS Medical Director and co-founder Dr Leigh Neal, Consultant Psychiatrist, will delve into the clinical aspects of TMS. Exploring its efficiency, safety and long-term outcomes in a diverse patient population derived from Smart TMS’ 8 years of experience in treating patients in our FREE webinar on the 20th of September at 12.30 pm. This is an open webinar for all healthcare professionals. To sign up, click here.