Accelerated Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (aTMS) Therapy

A Faster and More Efficient Treatment Option

Researchers at Stanford University have discovered a groundbreaking treatment option for the millions of individuals suffering from severe and treatment resistant major depression. The original experimental treatment protocol was termed “SAINT”--Stanford Accelerated Intelligent Neuromodulation Therapy.  SAINT described a type of accelerated transcranial magnetic stimulation (aTMS). The SAINT protocol utilized (1) a more efficient form of repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) known as intermittent theta burst stimulation (iTBS), (2) individualized treatment locations based on a patient's specific functional connectivity MRI (fcMRI), (3) a higher pulse dose per treatment session (1,800 compared to the standard 600 pulses), (4) a total of 50 treatment sessions spread over just 5 days (standard rTMS typically involves 36 treatments over 9 weeks). The parameters of the SAINT protocol were based on findings from past research studies, but none had utilized all of these treatment parameters at once. The SAINT protocol resulted in unprecedented response and remission rates (90.4%), but did not include a sham arm.

The work was duplicated more recently in a larger sample size and with a sham control group - this time described as “Stanford Neuromodulation Therapy” (SNT). Parameters were the same for both studies. The results were, again, quite remarkable. The study saw a mean reduction on depression screening scales of 52.5% to 70.9% at different points throughout a 4-week follow-up. Twelve participants in the active SNT group met response criterion (85.7%), and 11 participants met remission criterion (78.6%), which was significantly higher than in the sham control group where only 4 participants responded (26.7%) and 2 remitted (13.3%). 

So, what does this mean for TMS treatment today?

Recent research on accelerated TMS has shown the possibility for a rapid acting treatment for depression and suicidal thinking. The video here (A promising new treatment for depression) shows the real life results that the SAINT/SNT protocol has had on 2 of the study’s participants. 

At Inspire TMS Denver, we do not offer fcMRI that was utilized in the SAINT trial, but do offer a similar accelerated TMS protocol for patients that are searching for fast results. As this is not FDA approved, treatment is not covered by insurance, but we offer sliding scale rates for accelerated TMS and have a waiting room dedicated to the 50 minute intersession intervals between each treatment. The room is equipped with comfortable seating for rest and relaxation, a desk and chair for working, and a television with streaming services for entertainment. As always, our office provides complimentary WiFi, water, and coffee that patients may partake of while waiting for treatments. Patients also have the option to leave the office for those 50 minutes if they are interested in grabbing a bite to eat or checking out the area around the office.

Questions about accelerated TMS? Please check out our accelerated TMS page, call us at 720-740-0305, or schedule directly online.