Innovative Approach: Combining TMS and Ketamine for Depression & Anxiety

Deep Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) has gained FDA clearance as a safe and effective treatment for Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) and Anxious Depression. The groundbreaking protocol at the Ketamine Healing Clinic involves a unique combination of TMS and Ketamine, potentially amplifying the therapeutic benefits compared to individual treatments. Notably, this protocol is covered by insurance, with a fee of $50 for the Ketamine component. But how does this innovative treatment precisely target these specific brain disorders?

Depression (MDD)

Our H1 Coil employs magnetic fields to profoundly and comprehensively target the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC), a key area linked to depression. Multiple peer-reviewed studies have found Deep TMS to be an effective treatment for Depression, profoundly improving a persons mental health and contributing to a significantly greater quality of life. Combining deep TMS with Ketamine, a molecule known to significantly reduce suicidal ideation and depression, can significantly improve the life of those struggling.

Anxious Depression

The H1 Coil stimulates neurons in brain regions associated with anxious depression, including the DLPFC, through precise magnetic pulses. In a multicenter, double-blind controlled study, Deep TMS showed significant reductions in anxiety symptoms through the acute course of TMS treatments and retained improvement through 16 weeks. Combining deep TMS with Ketamine, a molecule known to reduce anxiety not only acutely but chronically, can significantly decrease the symptoms of anxiety.

A New Era in TMS: Deep TMS

Traditional repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (rTMS), available since 2008, offers a noninvasive approach to treating depression. This method utilizes electromagnetic pulses from a figure-8-shaped handheld device to modulate neural activity in brain structures linked to depression.
However, standard rTMS has limitations. Its focal scope restricts the simultaneous regulation of only one brain structure, causing targeting challenges during treatment. Moreover, it struggles to directly stimulate deeper brain structures, which can impact its effectiveness.

Deep TMS, an advancement over traditional rTMS, addresses these concerns. It is a non-invasive treatment harnessing a magnetic field to effectively modulate neural activity in brain structures associated with depression and various mental health conditions. Unlike other treatments, Deep TMS does not require anesthesia or recovery, making it adaptable to one’s daily routine.

Deep TMS’s Remarkable Effectiveness

In 2013, the FDA granted Deep TMS clearance for treating depression, emphasizing its high safety and effectiveness levels.
Studies confirm Deep TMS’s efficacy in alleviating depressive symptoms. An independent 2019 study published in the Journal of Psychiatric Research demonstrated that Deep TMS, when combined with standard medication, significantly outperformed traditional rTMS plus medication or medication alone in reducing depression levels among MDD patients. This efficacy will likely be signficantly enhanced by adding Ketamine- a program unique to the Ketamine Healing Clinic’s.

Another multicenter study in World Psychiatry in 2015 affirmed Deep TMS’s efficacy, independent of medication effects, with one-third of treatment-resistant MDD patients achieving remission during the acute treatment phase. Additionally, nearly 80% of non-responsive patients showed improvement during the continuation phase.

Based on data from over 1,300 patients, Deep TMS has demonstrated remarkable effectiveness in real-life clinical practice. Approximately 4 out of 5 patients completing at least 30 sessions achieved a clinical response, and about 2 out of 3 achieved full remission from depression.

Safety First: Deep TMS as a Secure Depression Treatment

Extensive research has found Deep TMS to be free from substantial or lasting side effects. A 2007 study in Clinical Neurophysiology confirmed its excellent tolerability without adverse effects. Individuals undergoing Deep TMS treatment may experience mild discomfort, often described as a tapping sensation in the treatment area. Common side effects, including site pain, site discomfort, and jaw pain, tend to diminish after initial treatment sessions. The addition of Ketamine to this protocol will significantly decrease any discomfort from deep TMS.

Deep TMS + Ketamine: A Unique Depression Treatment Protocol

The Ketamine Healing Clinic employs a patented H-Coil technology, integrated into a comfortable helmet, to administer magnetic pulses regulating neural activity in the brain. Deep TMS + Ketamine sessions for depression at our clinic last approximately 20 minutes, half the duration of standard rTMS sessions (40 minutes). Alternatively, a 3-minute intermittent theta burst (iTBS) session is available. A typical Deep TMS treatment plan entails daily sessions spanning four weeks, followed by periodic maintenance sessions.

How it works: Settle into our comfortable recliner char, where our staff will place the deep TMS helmet. Prior to starting, using a microscopic needle, a small amount of Ketamine will be delivered intramuscularly which lasts 20 minutes- the duration of the TMS treatment.

Cost: TMS is covered by Medicare and most private insurance carriers. The fee for the Ketamine portion of the protocol is $50. Prior authorization with your insurance carrier will be needed prior to starting.

Studies: https://www.brainsway.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/1-s2.0-S0165178123001300-main-1.pdf