What is the SAINT TMS Depression Treatment?
Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation or TMS is one of the most exciting developments in the treatment of depression in decades. Stanford Accelerated Intelligent Neuromodulation Therapy or SAINT TMS is an exciting new protocol for performing TMS which received FDA approval in 2022. Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) already had an impressive track record for delivering substantial symptom relief, even for individuals with treatment-resistant depression (TRD) who did not find sufficient results with medications.
TMS is also popular because it provides results relatively quickly compared with other depression treatments and it is compatible with most other treatments, from medications to psychotherapy. This makes it a great option for people looking for either an alternative, drug-free way to treat depression or a way to boost their existing depression treatment. The SAINT TMS protocol is a newer, more effective method of delivering Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) treatment.
Who May Benefit from This Depression Treatment?
- People with treatment-resistant depression who have tried 2 or more antidepressants.
- Those who have unacceptable side effects from SSRI or SSNRI antidepressants.
- People who want to supplement medication or other depression treatment with SAINT TMS.
- Those who would prefer to try non-pharmaceutical depression treatment for other reasons.
SAINT TMS Does Everything Regular TMS Does, Only Better
SAINT varies from traditional TMS by utilizing neuroimaging technology, including MRI or fMRI to customize treatment to each individual and more accurately target specific areas of the brain. The treatment schedule is also more robust than conventional TMS. SAINT TMS includes 10 sessions of 10-minute treatments per day for 5 days. Between each session, there are 50 minutes of break time.
This innovative form of care for depression and other conditions has gained a great deal of media attention due to its track record for effectiveness. More than that, it represents the vanguard of non-pharmaceutical interventions for treating depression. While serotonin and serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors like Celexa or Lexapro remain safe and effective, they don’t deliver the same results for everyone.
People with treatment-resistant depression in particular simply don’t get the results they need from conventional antidepressants. Others may be concerned about the side effects of pharmaceutical antidepressants. Finally, there is a significant population of people with depression who would just prefer to treat their depression without medication, if possible.
4 Reasons to Choose SAINT TMS to Treat Depression?
Here are just a few reasons to consider the SAINT TMS depression treatment:
1.) SAINT TMS was Proven Effective in Numerous Trials
Three clinical trials conducted in 2018, 2020, and 2021 showed conclusively that SAINT TMS was effective in improving symptoms for the majority of participants. 79% of participants in the 2021 trial achieved remission of their refractory major depression after just 5 days of therapy. These results also show SAINT TMS is substantially more effective than regular TMS (which is already quite effective itself!).
2.) Provides More Rapid Relief Than Other Treatments for Depression
SAINT TMS is also unique in that it can begin to deliver symptom relief much more quickly than most depression treatments, including antidepressants. SAINT TMS clients often experience results within as little as 5 days of treatments. Regular TMS can take as long as 6 weeks of treatment to provide relief. It goes without saying that no one wants to experience depressive symptoms any longer than they have to. For patients with severe and/or treatment-resistant forms of depression, this rapid onset of relief could literally be life-saving.
3.) Offers a Safe, Non-Invasive, Drug-Free Way to Treat Depression
SAINT TMS is drug-free and non-invasive. Other than psychotherapy, there are few depression treatments with fewer risks associated with them than TMS. While antidepressant medications like SSRIs and SSNRIs are generally considered safe and effective by the FDA, there are long lists of side effects which some patients experience that simply aren’t a factor with any form of Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS).
4.) SAINT TMS Represents an Alternative Depression Treatment Option
BrainHealth Solutions does not necessarily recommend one form of depression treatment over another. We think offering clients a range of options and explaining the benefits of each so they can make informed decisions about their healthcare is the best approach. SAINT TMS is one more powerful tool people with depression can utilize to find relief from their symptoms and live healthier, happier lives. For people with treatment-resistant depression, it can be especially helpful where other treatments have failed them.
BrainHealth Solutions has Answers for Depression and More
If you or someone you know is struggling with depression, BrainHealth Solutions would like to help. Our modern, evidence-based treatments for depression can help you or your loved one find relief. BrainHealth Solutions offers treatment for depression in Costa Mesa, Riverside, and surrounding areas in California. We have helped hundreds of people live better lives and we’d like the chance to help you as well. Reach out to us today at (949) 779-3587 to learn more about our treatment options or to book an appointment.
