Day therapy for Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS)
Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (or TMS) is a non-invasive, mild form of brain stimulation. It’s increasingly being used in Australia for the treatment of depression when other treatments such as antidepressant medication and psychotherapy have not been effective.
TMS works by stimulating electrical activity and chemicals in the brain, such as serotonin, dopamine and norepinephrine, which play a role in the regulation of mood.
How does Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation work?
Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation uses highly focused magnetic pulses to stimulate neurons in the areas of the brain which can be underactive in people with depression and other mental illnesses. A coil is placed on the scalp and magnetic fields are used to either lower or increase electrical signals in the brain to stimulate it to return to normal functioning.
Although treatment needs vary from person to person, about 20 to 30 sessions are recommended, with each session lasting between 20 to 40 minutes, depending on your specific prescription. Treatment given over consecutive weekdays is recommended for the best therapeutic effect. For people who respond well to treatment, many people see a benefit within days to weeks.
Who can have Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation?
Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists (RANZCP) clinical practice guidelines for mood disorders endorse the use of Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation for adults with non-psychotic depression who have not been helped by one or more trials of standard antidepressant medications or psychological therapy.
Your treating psychiatrist will conduct a thorough clinical and safety assessment to determine if TMS is a suitable treatment for you. All candidates for TMS treatment at Matilda Nepean require a referral from their treating psychiatrist or GP. Some candidates may not be suitable due to the use of magnetic fields.
What happens during a session of Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation?
You will be awake throughout the Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation treatment session. There are no medications, so you can return to your usual activities, including driving a car, once it’s finished.
Staff will show you the procedure room and answer any questions you may have. You will lie in a comfortable reclining chair and wear earplugs for hearing protection. When treatment starts, you may hear a soft clicking noise and feel a tapping sensation on your scalp.
Are there any side effects of Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation?
Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation is reported to be a safe and well-tolerated treatment with generally minimal side effects. Any side effects reduce in intensity and frequency as the course of TMS progresses. There are no known long-term adverse effects of TMS therapy.
The most common mild side effects of TMS therapy are headache, facial muscle twitching, light-headedness, nausea and fatigue, and they soon resolve. Serious side effects are rare but may include seizures, mania in patients with bipolar disorder, and short-term hearing loss if protection isn’t used during the session.
What is the cost of Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation treatment?
Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation involves an initial mapping session and a series of ongoing TMS sessions, which are charged per individual session. Medicare rebates are available for eligible patients. Please talk to our friendly team about current charges.
To be eligible for a Medicare rebate, patients must be aged over 18 years, have tried two or more anti-depressants, have a referral from a GP or psychiatrist, have a Medicare card, and have not been treated with TMS prior to 1 November 2021. If you have reached your Medicare safety net higher rebates may apply.
We understand the financial pressures many people are facing. Therefore we ask for payment following each session, rather than paying for a treatment block in advance. TMS services may be covered by your private health insurance, DVA, ADF, Third Party or Workers Compensation. Our friendly admin team can ascertain any eligibility.
Day therapy or inpatient options
Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation treatment can be undertaken on either a day therapy basis, where you attend at set session times throughout the week, or on an inpatient basis, where you stay at the hospital for the duration of the program.
Individuals who join a program as an inpatient have access to a range of additional amenities and services. These include:
- accommodation in oversized boutique hotel-like private rooms
- a flexible dietitian-approved menu selection
- in-room entertainment including audio and video services
- an expansive gymnasium and hydrotherapy centre
- in-house wellness services, which include on-site remedial massage therapy, hair salon and nail technician
- well-appointed relaxation and recreation areas which include table tennis, reading areas, an outdoor alfresco and a communal barbeque area
- comfortable open-plan workstations
- in-hospital cafe with comfortable seating areas.
If you’d prefer to attend this program as an inpatient, you can find out more about this option here.
Learn more or enquire about Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation treatment
To learn more about TMS at Matilda Nepean, download our TMS therapy brochure below. If you would like to enquire further about TMS or discuss your particular needs, please contact Jacki Maher on tel: (02) 8123 6790 or email: mentalhealth@matildanepean.com.au.
Want to learn more about our other programs and therapies?
We offer a range of mental health day therapy programs tailored to specific mental health needs. These include:
- Trauma Day Program
- Veterans and First Responder PTSD Program
- Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) Day Program
- Mood and Anxiety Day Program
- Introduction to Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT) Day Program
- Adult Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) Day Program
We also offer a range of other mental health therapies, including:
- therapies for treatment-resistant depression and
- electroconvulsive therapy (day therapy and inpatient program).
Everyone’s needs are different. On admission to your program, our clinical team will determine which therapies and treatments are most appropriate for your needs in discussion with you.
