If you’re dealing with depression, finding a treatment that actually fits your lifestyle can feel like another challenge in itself. While traditional TMS has worked well for many people with depression, not everyone is able to easily attend treatment five days a week for several weeks.
This is where One-Day TMS comes in. One-Day TMS is a specialized treatment that is attracting a lot of attention because, as the name indicates, it can be completed in just one day rather than over several weeks of treatment. So, if the standard schedule is too much for you, One-Day TMS may be what you’ve been waiting for.
One-Day TMS is a specialized form of Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) that delivers a full course of treatment in a single day. One-Day TMS uses magnetic pulses to stimulate areas of the brain involved in mood regulation, similar to traditional TMS. It’s non-invasive, doesn’t use anesthesia, and doesn’t involve medication.
The major difference is the schedule. Traditional TMS usually means clinic visits five times a week for six weeks. One-Day TMS condenses the process into a single treatment day. It delivers multiple spaced-out treatments over several hours.
While the treatment process looks different, both treatments have the same end goal, which is activating and strengthening brain circuits through neuroplasticity, the brain’s ability to adapt and change.
Why Patients Are Interested in One-Day TMS
Many people are interested in One-Day TMS because of the convenience it offers. A lot of people don’t have the flexibility to attend multiple sessions spanning several weeks. Some people have really busy jobs or tight schedules, while others may have to travel far to get TMS treatment. So, having a one-day option makes TMS more accessible to people who usually couldn’t do it. Additionally, the idea of completing treatment all in one day seems less daunting to many patients when compared to starting and committing to an extensive and lengthy treatment schedule.
Who Might Be a Candidate?
One-Day TMS may be considered for people with depression who haven’t found enough relief from antidepressants or who are interested in a non-medication treatment option. It may also appeal to those whose busy schedules don’t allow for a traditional multi-week treatment schedule. However, eligibility for One-Day TMS will be determined by a provider on an individual basis. Not everyone will be an ideal candidate. You will need to meet with a provider to review your symptoms, medical history, and treatment background. Based on that evaluation, your provider can determine whether One-Day TMS is an appropriate option for you.
What Can You Expect Before, During, and After Treatment?
Before any treatment, you first have to meet with a provider and have a consultation. Here, you will go over your treatment and medical history, symptoms, and answer any questions you have. If they determine you are a good candidate for One-Day TMS, you can move forward.
On treatment day, patients will have multiple TMS sessions spaced throughout the day, with rest periods between sessions. The treatment itself is very similar to traditional TMS. People describe the sensation as a tapping feeling on the scalp.
Treatment consists of multiple TMS sessions spaced throughout the day with scheduled breaks between sessions. Most patients can expect to spend the majority of the day at the clinic.
After treatment, patients can return home the same day. Some people begin noticing improvements relatively quickly, while for others it may take additional time before changes become noticeable. Just like other depression treatments, results will be different between patients.
Potential Benefits
One-Day TMS offers several potential advantages:
- Finishing your treatment course in a span of one day
- Having fewer visits to the clinic
- Less disruption to your work and everyday life
- A non-invasive treatment that does not require surgery or anesthesia
- A medication-free treatment option for people seeking an alternative to antidepressants
- No recovery time after treatment, allowing patients to return home the same day
- Designed to target brain circuits involved in depression rather than relying on medication circulating throughout the body
- May be an option for people who have not found enough relief from antidepressant medication alone
Remember that what works best for one person may not be the best option for another. Some individuals may be more suitable for conventional TMS or other methods of treatment. Having an evaluation with a provider is the best way to determine which treatment is the best option for you.
Frequently Asked Questions About One-Day TMS
Is One-Day TMS safe?
Yes. One-Day TMS uses the same basic treatment approach as traditional TMS and is delivered under medical supervision.
Does One-Day TMS replace traditional TMS?
Not necessarily. Both treatment approaches can be appropriate depending on a patient’s needs, preferences, and clinical situation.
How long does One-Day TMS take?
One-Day TMS is completed in a single day. Treatment consists of multiple TMS sessions spaced throughout the day with scheduled breaks between sessions, so patients should expect to spend most of the day at the clinic.
How quickly will I feel better after One-Day TMS?
The response time is different from person to person. Some people may notice changes relatively quickly, while others experience more gradual improvements over time.
Who is a good candidate for One-Day TMS?
One-Day TMS may be an option for people with depression who have not found enough relief from antidepressant medication or who are interested in a non-medication treatment approach. A consultation with a provider is the best way to determine whether One-Day TMS is right for you.
The Role of AMPA Health
One-Day TMS is delivered using technology developed by AMPA Health. Their system was created specifically to meet the needs of condensed TMS treatment protocols, helping make this newer treatment approach possible.
The AMPA Health system uses advanced TMS technology with an efficient treatment schedule to allow providers to offer a one-day treatment option to qualified patients.
Learn More at Deep Centered Mental Health
If you’ve been curious about TMS but the time commitment discouraged you from moving forward, One-Day TMS could be the treatment you’ve been waiting for.
We provide One-Day TMS treatment at our Round Rock and Uptown Dallas locations. If you’re curious about whether One-Day TMS is the right fit for you, please call us at 469-809-5663 or request a free consultation online.
