Stanford Accelerated Intelligent Neuromodulation Therapy (SAINT)

SAINT® is a groundbreaking new treatment for major depression. University of Iowa HealthmCare is one of only a few academic medical centers in the U.S.—and the first in the Midwest—offering SAINT to patients.

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For Psychiatry related requests:

1-319-353-6314

For all other requests:: 1-800-777-8442

What is SAINT?

SAINT is a new and advanced form of transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS), a treatment for major depression that UI Health Care has offered for years.

Like TMS, SAINT is a non-invasive procedure that uses a magnetic field to induce a small electrical current in targeted regions of the brain to create long-lasting antidepressant changes for patients with major depressive disorder.

What’s the difference between SAINT and TMS?

The main differences between SAINT and TMS are related to 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. SAINT 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

SAINT 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. SAINT treatment occurs over a much shorter timeframe, delivering the therapy in an intensive series of 10 treatments each day over just five days.

This can result in a faster treatment response for patients.

Is SAINT effective?

Early data suggests that SAINT is an effective treatment for major depression: One study published in the American Journal of Psychiatry showed that nearly 80% of patients who received SAINT experienced remission of their depression symptoms, with effects often lasting months.

"SAINT is one of the fastest-acting anti-depressant treatments available."

Nicholas Trapp

Director of University of Iowa Interventional Psychiatry

Should I get SAINT or traditional TMS?

Each patient’s situation is unique, and whether SAINT is an appropriate treatment may depend on several factors.

SAINT and traditional TMS have not been compared head-to-head, and the benefits of some aspects of SAINT, such as imaging-guided targeting, are still being evaluated.

Both treatments have been effective for treatment-resistant depression. You should discuss your treatment options with your psychiatrist or the interventional psychiatry team during your evaluation.

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