How Long Will I Stay Better After TMS?

Therapies for depression such as transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) often work well even after conventional treatments fail. Prospective patients are often curious about TMS and want to know all about it, particularly how long TMS therapy lasts. Results vary from patient to patient, which is why we encourage anyone considering TMS for major depressive disorder to schedule a consultation to discuss their specific circumstances.



TMS can be an effective treatment method for depression, particularly for people who haven’t gotten the results they want from first-line treatments such as talk therapy and antidepressants.

With TMS, magnetic pulses are transmitted into the brain from an electromagnetic coil placed on the patient’s scalp. These pulses become gentle electrical currents that stimulate specific areas of the brain in order to alleviate depression symptoms.

TMS treatment typically takes place every weekday for several weeks, then less frequently towards the end of treatment. Most people don’t have to wait until after the treatment period ends to see the difference TMS makes.

How Long Does It Take TMS to Start Working?

During the weeks of TMS treatment, the first positive effects may become noticeable. Again, when those signs first occur can be different for everyone—someone may feel a change after the first couple of weeks, while another patient may begin seeing those changes towards the end of the first phase of treatment. 

Ultimately, how long the effects of TMS treatment last depends on the individual patient. Some people may need TMS maintenance treatments again, particularly if they have another major depressive episode. The good news is that if TMS works well for somebody during their initial treatment, it almost always achieves good results if they need TMS again. TMS offers the potential for sustainable, long-term mental health benefits. One study found that among those who improved, 62% were still improved or in remission at the end of a year.

We also encourage all of our patients to build a lifestyle of positive habits that support their mental health. These include eating well, exercising, getting enough sleep, and engaging in talk therapy. Along with TMS, these tools will equip you to create sustainable change for the better in your mental health.

Want to know more about how long TMS therapy lasts? Our patient consultants can explain the TMS process in detail, as well as what you can expect to happen over the ensuing weeks of treatment. They can also tell you about the many benefits of TMS therapy. In addition to its effectiveness, TMS is also non-invasive, doesn’t require sedation, has minimal side effects, and is a targeted treatment modality, unlike antidepressants that affect the entire body. Contact us today to learn more about TMS and how it can help you.