Accelerated Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (aTMS)

Accelerated transcranial magnetic stimulation (aTMS) is a groundbreaking new treatment for major depression. UI Health Care is one of only a few academic medical centers in the U.S. offering aTMS to patients.
Request an Appointment
For all requests:
1-319-353-6314
For all other requests:
1-800-777-8442

Accelerated transcranial magnetic stimulation (aTMS) is a noninvasive treatment for major depressive disorder that uses magnetic fields to stimulate targeted areas of the brain and promote lasting antidepressant effects.

An advanced form of transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS), aTMS delivers treatment on an accelerated schedule while using the same basic approach of inducing small electrical currents in specific brain regions. University of Iowa Health Care has offered TMS for years and is now among the few centers providing aTMS.

 

What’s the difference between aTMS and TMS?

The main differences between aTMS and TMS are related to the number of daily treatment sessions, the use of imaging-guided targeting, and the duration of the treatment course.

Imaging guidance

The region of the brain that benefits most from TMS stimulation may vary from one person to the next. aTMS combines traditional TMS with functional MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) to identify a personalized target in each patient, guided by each patient’s unique brain connectivity profile.

Condensed treatment course

aTMS also condenses traditional TMS treatment into a shorter duration by stacking multiple treatments into each day.

Traditional TMS is delivered in single, daily sessions over approximately six weeks. aTMS treatment protocols occur over much shorter timeframes, delivering the therapy in an intensive series, with multiple sessions per day for one to six days.

This can result in a faster treatment response for some patients.

Is aTMS effective?

Early data suggests that aTMS protocols are effective treatments for major depression. Studies published in journals such as the American Journal of Psychiatry and the Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation Journal show that nearly 80% of patients who received certain forms of aTMS experience remission of their depression symptoms, with effects often lasting months.

80%
of patients experience remission of symptoms

Should I get aTMS or traditional TMS?

Both aTMS and traditional TMS can be effective treatments for people with treatment-resistant depression.

The primary difference is that traditional TMS is typically delivered over several weeks, while aTMS condenses treatment into a much shorter timeframe. Which option is best for you depends on your individual symptoms, treatment history, scheduling needs, and clinical circumstances.

During your evaluation, your psychiatrist or the interventional psychiatry team can help determine whether aTMS or traditional TMS is the most appropriate choice for you.

If you are interested in TMS or aTMS therapy, you will need a referral from your primary mental health provider.

"Accelerated TMS protocols are revolutionizing our expectations on how long it takes to recover from a depressive episode."
Nicholas Trapp, MD
Director of University of Iowa Interventional Psychiatry Division

Not sure which Accelerated Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (aTMS) provider is right for you?

When you call 1-319-353-6314 we'll help you find a provider who meets your needs.
Call 1-319-353-6314

Locations and Offices

Region