St John of God Hospital has announced the introduction of repetitive transactional magnetic stimulation therapy (rTMS), in an expansion of its treatment options for patients with depression. This non-invasive therapy offers a new option for patients who have not had sufficient success with conventional depression treatments. 

rTMS is a modern treatment for depression that prioritises convenience, comfort and safety while delivering significant benefits for those with treatment-resistant depression. 

rTMS uses magnetic pulses to stimulate specific brain regions, promoting the brain’s ability to form new connections and regulate mood.

The treatment is performed on an outpatient basis and requires no anaesthesia, meaning patients can drive and resume work and daily activities immediately after their sessions. Its non-invasive nature makes it an attractive option for a wider range of individuals.

The typical treatment course consists of daily sessions over four to six weeks, with each session lasting about 20-40 minutes. 

The effectiveness of rTMS treatment for depressive disorders and treatment-resistant depression has been firmly established in recent years, according to the hospital.

rTMS was approved for depression treatment by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 2008, and the UK’s National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) has also appraised the evidence of the treatment. 

Clinical studies have shown that approximately 50% of patients experience significant symptom relief with rTMS treatment, with about one-third achieving remission from their depression symptoms. 

Consultant psychiatrist and head of neuromodulation services Dr Simon Mitchell said: “This non-invasive treatment offers new hope to our patients who haven’t found relief through traditional methods.”