How long do TMS results typically last?
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Sign in to commentThe durability of TMS results varies by individual, but here's what the data shows: - About 60-70% of patients who respond to TMS maintain significant improvement at 12 months - Some patients maintain benefits for 2+ years without retreatment - If symptoms begin to return, "maintenance" or "booster" sessions can be very effective Maintenance TMS typically involves 1-2 sessions per month or a short cluster of sessions every few months. Many of our patients do a 5-session booster if they notice early signs of relapse. The most important thing is to keep up with any medications and therapy your psychiatrist has recommended alongside TMS. The combination tends to produce the most durable results.
I'm 8 months post-TMS and still doing well. My doctor has me scheduled for a check-in every 3 months and said we can do booster sessions if needed. Haven't needed them yet! Staying on my SSRI and doing monthly therapy has helped I think.
I did need a second course about 14 months after my first one. The relapse wasn't as severe as the original depression though — more like a 4/10 vs the original 9/10. The second round worked faster too, only needed about 20 sessions to get back to feeling good.
James's experience is actually very common — retreatment typically works faster and patients often need fewer sessions. This suggests the brain retains some of the neuroplastic changes from the first course. I'd also add that ongoing lifestyle factors matter: exercise, sleep hygiene, stress management, and social connection all help maintain TMS benefits.