Deep rTMS (Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation) is a non-invasive, FDA-approved therapy that uses magnetic fields to stimulate nerve cells in the brain to treat depression and other mental health disorders. At Atrom Mindcare, we utilize the latest Deep rTMS technology to offer a safe, effective, and drug-free treatment option.
​
Our Deep TMS offered is delivered by Consultant Psychiatrist and is combined with CBT approach which is tailored to individual patient's requirements.
Stages of Treatment for Deep rTMS Therapy
Suitability Assessment
If referred to Atrom Mindcare for Deep rTMS therapy you will initially have a 60-90minute assessment with our Consultant Psychiatrist*. He/She will ask you questions about your illness to confirm your diagnosis and conduct a risk assessment for your suitability for treatment with Deep rTMS. He/she will ensure that the treatment plan is tailored to your brain. She will then discuss the treatment process, your individual risks, effects, side-effects of treatment in detail with you and answer any questions that you may have before progressing onto treatment sessions.
If you are already seeing our Consultant Psychiatrist for your mental health problem and it is felt that Deep rTMS is the appropriate treatment for you, the treatment will be discussed with you and a risk assessment for rTMS will be conducted during your General Psychiatric Assessment or Follow up appointment.
The Deep rTMS Treatment may be right for you if :
-
you have a current diagnosis of depression (with or without anxiety symptoms).
-
you have been on antidepressant medications during the current depressive episode without sufficient benefit or with intolerable side effects.
-
you have attempted psychotherapy during the current depressive episode without sufficient benefit.
-
you have no history of or recent episodes of seizures, no implanted metal or electronic devices in or around thehead (dental work is fine).
* If you are referred to Atrom Mindcare by your Consultant Psychiatrist, he/she will be responsible for your overall Mental Health care, and they will have confirmed your diagnosis and assessed your suitability for TMS. We will require a letter/ report from them to confirm this. Consultation with our Consultant Psychiatrist will, in this case be of 30mins duration and entail a risk assessment and a TMS prescription tailored to your needs.
Treatment Course for Depression
​
Deep TMS sessions for depression last approximately 20 minutes, as opposed to 40-minute standard rTMS sessions. Alternatively, a 3-min intermittent theta burst (iTBS) session is also available. A Deep TMS treatment plan usually requires daily sessions over four weeks, followed by periodic maintenance sessions.
The following graphic details Deep TMS’s treatment protocol, with its Acute and Continuation phases:
Treatment Course for Obsessive Compulsive Disorder
​
Deep TMS sessions for OCD treatment involve a brief personalized provocation, or exposure, to activate the relevant areas of the brain, followed by an 18-minute TMS treatment. A full course of Deep rTMS OCD treausually requires daily sessions over a six-week period.
What to expect during treatment sessions
-
You will be greeted in the reception area by our friendly technician who will lead you to the treatment room. He/ She will explain the process to you once again.
-
You will need to remove any hearing aids, hairgrips, jewellery including necklaces, earrings and face or tongue studs and anything else containing metal
-
You can wear your usual clothes and won't need to get changed
-
You can take your phone into the treatment room, but it will need to be put to one side during treatment
-
Please have something to eat and drink before your appointment. You will be offered tea/coffee whilst you wait in the reception area.
-
There will be plenty of time to use the bathroom before your treatment begins
-
Each treatment session will take about 20-30min, however your first appointment will be longer as the dosage of your treatment will be set at this appointment. If it's going to be any different (depending on the type of TMS you are having), we'll discuss this with you
-
If you are travelling by car, please allow time to park. You will be sent details about parking by our team ahead of your appointment.