Pioneering TMS Research for Enhanced Mental Health

At Salience TMS, research lies at the heart of our mission. We firmly believe that “good isn’t good enough” for patient care. Through the collaborative efforts of our dedicated research team and our valued partnerships, we are committed to advancing the quality of care we provide and, by extension, elevating the entire TMS Community.

Developing the world’s most extensive naturalistic database of TMS therapy is at the forefront of our research initiatives. This invaluable resource is the cornerstone for our research team’s in-depth analysis, allowing us to draw meaningful conclusions that guide the optimal use of TMS therapy for patient treatment. Our studies, conducted in collaboration with esteemed institutions, span a broad spectrum of research areas.

Our commitment to research extends beyond the confines of our facilities. We actively seek out additional research opportunities and proudly share our current and past research findings at conferences across the United States. By doing so, we aim to enhance the understanding of TMS therapy and promote greater awareness and knowledge of the transformative potential of brain stimulation within our community. 

What is TMS Therapy?

Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) therapy, at its essence, is a groundbreaking, non-invasive procedure that utilizes magnetic fields to stimulate specific areas of the brain. It has emerged as a transformative treatment option for individuals grappling with conditions like depression, anxiety, and other neuropsychiatric disorders. However, its evolution and efficacy hinge significantly on rigorous research and continuous study. 

Advancing TMS Research

Salience TMS aims to shed light on TMS therapy’s diverse applications and benefits. The following studies, conducted in partnership with leading institutions, offer valuable insights into how TMS can be optimized to provide the best possible care for our patients. From examining its effectiveness in depression treatment to exploring its effects on cognitive function, this research exemplifies our unwavering commitment to pioneering research in TMS therapy.

Salience TMS Study: TMS Treatment in Adolescents with Major Depressive Disorder

What is Major Depressive Disorder (MDD)?

​​Major Depressive Disorder, also known as clinical depression, is a severe mental health condition characterized by persistent and debilitating symptoms such as profound sadness, loss of interest in activities, changes in appetite and sleep patterns, low energy, and thoughts of self-harm or suicide. It significantly impairs daily functioning and can affect anyone at any age. MDD often arises from a combination of genetic, biological, environmental, and psychological factors. However, it is treatable through various therapies, including psychotherapy, medication, and Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS), offering hope for improved mental well-being and quality of life to those affected. If you or someone you know is struggling with MDD, seeking professional help is crucial for effective diagnosis and tailored treatment.

This study aimed to evaluate the outcomes of adolescents with major depressive disorder (MDD) who underwent bilateral repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) treatment. The study included 201 adolescents aged 19.09 years who received at least 30 bilateral TMS treatments. The TMS protocol involved 1 Hz stimulation to the right dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (dlPFC) followed by 20 Hz stimulation to the left dlPFC. The researchers assessed the patients’ depressive and anxiety symptoms using the PHQ-9 and GAD-7 scales before and after the rTMS treatment.

Results

• After rTMS treatment, 43.3% of patients experienced remission in their depressive symptoms, and 50.2% achieved remission in their anxiety symptoms.
• Significant improvements were observed in both PHQ-9 and GAD-7 scores after rTMS treatment.
• Similar positive effects were seen in both older (19-22 years) and younger (18 and below) age groups.
• Bilateral 1 Hz and 20 Hz were well-tolerated and effective in the adolescent sample studied.
• The study emphasizes the need for future research with control and comparison groups to validate these findings further.

In summary, this study suggests the potential benefits of bilateral repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) in treating adolescents with major depressive disorder (MDD), showing significant reductions in depressive and anxiety symptoms. 

Salience TMS Study: Cognitive Performance with TMS Therapy

What is Cognitive Function?

Cognitive function refers to the mental processes and abilities that enable individuals to acquire, process, store, and utilize information. It encompasses many functions: memory, attention, problem-solving, language comprehension, and decision-making. These cognitive processes are essential for everyday tasks, learning, communication, and overall mental well-being. Cognitive function can vary from person to person and may change over time due to aging, neurological conditions, or mental health disorders. Assessing and maintaining healthy cognitive function is vital for optimal functioning and a high quality of life.

This research assessed the cognitive abilities of 943 patients with Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) before and after they received TMS treatment. They used tests like the Choice Reaction Time Identification Task (CRT), One-Back Test (NBack), Digit Symbol Substitution Test (DSST), Trail Making Test-Part B (TMT), and a questionnaire called Perceived Deficits Questionnaire for Depression-5-item (PDQ-5-D). Patients had 30 to 36 TMS sessions where a special machine sent magnetic pulses to a specific part of their brain. The researchers wanted to see if TMS affected how well patients could think and if it connected to mood changes.

Results

• Significant objective improvements were observed in various components of the THINC-it tool, including CRT, NBack, DSST, and TMT, with effect sizes ranging from 0.05 to 0.49.
• Notably, the PDQ-5-D score also exhibited significant objective improvements, with a substantial effect size of 0.84.
• Interestingly, the degree of improvement in overall THINC-it scores did not significantly correlate with improvements in PHQ-9 or GAD-7 scores, suggesting a degree of independence between cognitive and clinical symptom improvements.
• Among non-responders in terms of clinical symptoms (PHQ-9 <50% improvement), significant improvements in scores on all 5 THINC-it subtests were observed, indicating that rTMS had cognitive benefits even in individuals with limited clinical symptom improvement.

This study concludes that rTMS had no adverse impact on cognition and demonstrated mild-to-moderate improvements in various cognitive domains, including executive functioning, working memory, attention, and processing speeds. These cognitive improvements appeared independent of changes in clinical symptoms, suggesting that rTMS may offer cognitive enhancements in addition to its therapeutic effects on depression symptoms. The findings support the safety and potential cognitive benefits of rTMS as an intervention for MDD.

The Role of Ongoing Research in TMS Therapy

As we delve into the intriguing world of Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) therapy and its impact on mental health, it becomes evident that research is a critical aspect and a driving force behind its evolution. The studies we’ve explored shed light on the remarkable potential of TMS in treating conditions like depression and anxiety, especially in adolescents and adults. However, these findings only scratch the surface of what TMS can achieve, and there’s a profound need for ongoing research to unlock its full potential.

The implications of the discussed studies resonate far beyond the confines of scientific journals. They offer a glimmer of hope to the TMS therapy community and, more importantly, to individuals grappling with mental health challenges. TMS has proven its effectiveness in alleviating depressive and anxious symptoms, with some studies even revealing improvements in cognitive function. It provides a vital support system for those seeking relief from these challenges, highlighting the importance of delving deeper into TMS capabilities.

Emphasizing the importance of ongoing research cannot be overstated. With each study, we inch closer to refining TMS treatments, making them more accessible, efficient, and tailored to individual needs. Continuous research efforts pave the way for identifying optimal protocols, enhancing treatment outcomes, and minimizing potential side effects. The TMS therapy landscape is dynamic, and only through research can we ensure that it evolves in a way that maximizes its benefits for the countless individuals who could benefit from it.

Looking ahead, the field of TMS therapy holds boundless potential for innovation and improvement. Future research directions encompass exploring its effectiveness in treating a broader range of mental health conditions, investigating the long-term impacts of TMS, and refining its precision through technological advancements. As we embark on this journey, collaboration between clinicians, researchers, and the broader healthcare community will be instrumental in harnessing the transformative power of TMS to its fullest extent. In the ever-expanding realm of mental health care, research remains our compass, guiding us toward a brighter future where TMS therapy can offer healing and hope to all who seek it.

Salience TMS is excited to announce that we are opening our research efforts to our valued patients through Neuro-Cardiac-Guided (NCG) TMS. This initiative reflects our commitment to advancing the transcranial magnetic stimulation field while providing our patients with the highest quality care. We invite you to be a part of our ongoing research journey, contributing to developing innovative treatments and enhancing our understanding of neuropsychiatric conditions. Join us in this collaborative effort to improve mental health care for all.

Key Takeaways

• Research-Driven Care: Salience TMS is committed to research as the foundation of its mission, believing that it’s essential for advancing the field of TMS therapy.
• Promising Results: Their studies show positive outcomes in treating conditions like major depressive disorder (MDD) and anxiety in adolescents. These findings suggest that TMS therapy can significantly reduce symptoms and enhance cognitive function.
• Ongoing Research Matters: Research refines treatments, improves accessibility, and ensures effectiveness. Collaboration between clinicians, researchers, and the healthcare community is crucial to unlocking TMS therapy’s full potential in mental health care.