Theta burst stimulation (TBS) is addressing a common barrier for patients curious about transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) but worried they don’t have the time for effective depression treatment.
TBS treatment has been a game-changer for anyone struggling with major depressive disorder or treatment-resistant depression by shortening TMS treatment to just four minutes per day over nine weeks. Further research shows that TBS may be able to alleviate symptoms in as little as five days.
Theta burst stimulation is making TMS an even more convenient and effective mental health care treatment.
What is TMS?
Transcranial magnetic stimulation is a non-invasive treatment that delivers focused magnetic pulses to stimulate underactive nerve cells in the parts of the brain involved with mood regulation.
TMS is cleared by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to treat:
- Major depressive disorder
- Treatment-resistant depression
- Anxious depression
- Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)
- Smoking cessation
- Migraines with aura
TMS treatment protocols typically consist of 36 sessions, each lasting about 20 minutes and conducted over nine weeks. Over time, TMS encourages the brain to establish stronger connections and build a more resilient response to stress.
Research indicates that 30% to 40% of TMS patients reach remission after completing treatment, pointing to its impactful long-term effects.
What is theta burst stimulation and how is it different from TMS?
TBS was discovered in the early 2000’s. Research on brain rhythms identified the theta rhythm, a brainwave pattern that plays a key role in learning and memory.
Both TMS and TBS deliver magnetic pulses to the brain. The difference is that TBS produces short, rapid bursts of pulses in a rhythm that mimics how the brain naturally fires. This allows the brain to reset more quickly, leading to shorter treatment times that are just as effective.
Reducing TMS treatment to just five days
Taking TBS even further, Stanford Accelerated Intelligent Neuromodulation Therapy (SAINT) seeks to manage treatment-resistant depression in just five days.
Developed at Stanford University, the SAINT protocol delivers 10 or more sessions of theta burst stimulation in a single day, with each session lasting just a few minutes. It also uses brain imaging to precisely target the left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex, the brain region most linked to depression.
SAINT is not cleared by the FDA, although clinical trials are currently underway to investigate its safety and effectiveness.
What to expect during TBS treatment?
In many ways, TBS and TMS treatments are very similar. During treatment, patients sit in a chair while a magnetic coil is placed against their scalp. Some patients feel a light tapping on their head.
Both TMS and TBS should be painless and are generally safe and well-tolerated. Side effects are mild and temporary and can include scalp discomfort or headache. These usually improve as treatment continues. Serious side effects are rare and can include seizure.
After each session, patients can return immediately to their normal activities. Because TBS — and even TMS — sessions are so brief, many people find they can easily fit treatment into their daily routines.
What is the future of theta burst stimulation?
One of the most promising aspects of TBS is that it can be used in combination with brain imaging to identify the most effective treatment area. This means that TBS could be “custom fitted” to match each person’s unique brain networks.
Research is also promising on whether TBS can be used to treat post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), bipolar depression, substance use disorders, and cognitive conditions.
Key takeaways
- TBS is a faster form of TMS. Traditional TMS sessions last about 20 minutes, while TBS reduces treatment time to just four minutes.
- TMS is FDA-cleared for major depressive disorder (adults and adolescents), treatment-resistant depression, anxious depression, OCD, smoking cessation (with certain TMS machines), and migraines with aura.
- TBS works by mimicking brain rhythms. It delivers rapid bursts of magnetic pulses in a theta rhythm (5 Hz), which helps the brain “reset” more efficiently.
- The SAINT protocol combines TBS with imaging guidance and multiple daily sessions, aiming to achieve remission in just 5 days.
- TBS is noninvasive, with mild side effects (like scalp discomfort or headache.)
Looking for TMS treatment near you?
Pacific Mind Health offers transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) for depression, OCD, and other mental health conditions at our Los Angeles locations. Our experienced clinicians provide compassionate, evidence-based care to help you feel better.
Ready to take the next step? Schedule a consultation today to see if TMS is right for you.
