Results

If rTMS works for you, your depression symptoms may improve or go away completely. Symptom relief may take a few weeks of treatment.

The effectiveness of rTMS may improve as researchers learn more about techniques, the number of stimulations required and the best sites on the brain to stimulate.

Ongoing treatment

After completion of an rTMS treatment series, standard care for depression ? such as medication and psychotherapy ? may be recommended as ongoing treatment.

It's not yet known if maintenance rTMS sessions will benefit your depression. This involves continuing treatment when you are symptom-free with the hope that it will prevent the return of symptoms.

However, if your depression improves with rTMS, and then later you have another episode of symptoms, your rTMS treatment can be repeated. This is called re-induction. Some insurance companies will cover re-induction.

If your symptoms improve with rTMS, discuss ongoing or maintenance treatment options for your depression with your doctor.