Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS)

Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation is an evidenced based treatment for depression and involves the use of repetetive strong electromagnetic fields applied from a coil placed over the forehead to repetitively stimulate underlying brain cells. The treatment aims to generate sustained changes in the neuronal circuits implicated in depression.

The process commences with an initial assessment with one of our psychiatrists to determine whether TMS may be suitable for you. If suitable a course of TMS involves a mapping session where the treatment location and magnetic field strength (dose) is individualized to the patient. 

Then a series of treatment sessions are undertaken in our offices for at least three up to five days a week for at least five weeks aiming to alleviate the symptoms of depression

There are different treatment protoccols that can be applied involving the right or left pre-frontal cortex that are evidenced based treatments for Depression. On the left side there are also different protoccols that can be utilised and the evidence base for "accelerated" TMS (where more than one treatment can be utilised in a day) has accumulated in recent years and can suit some patients who may benefit from condensced treatment programs eg around work committments or rural patients.

Numerous studies support its effectiveness for patients who have not responded to previous trials of antidepressant medications although it is important to note that just like medication and psychological treatments for Depression, not all patients respond to TMS.  An important part of informed consent for any treatment also involves consideration of alternative treatment options such as combination mediations or Esketamine. 

TMS like all medical treatments does require a patient to be informed of potential side effects as well as potential benefits so they can make an informed choice whether to proceed. Patients are educated by our psychiatrists during the assessment session to enable them to consider whether TMS is right for them .

There are some medical reasons why TMS may not be suitable and this is ascertained during an initial assessment where a patient's medical history is taken by one of our psychiatrists. 

If patients are referred with a valid medicare referral to our doctors by their treating doctor (GP or Psychiatrist) or nurse practitioner the initial consultation attracts a Medicare rebate to partially reimburse some of the costs of the initial assessment, however there will be an out of pocket 'Gap' fee payable as well. 

Additionally there is a medicare subsidy in Australia for Treatment Resistant Depression to partially assist with the funding costs of TMS treatment with AxonPsychiatry, but there will be a gap payable for treatments with our Service. The medicare reimbursement only applies if a patient meets certain eligibility criteria for MBS item 14216/14217 MBS online:  MBS Online - MBS Online  . This is explored and explained to patients at the initial consultation.