DEEP TMS ARRIVES IN MICHIGAN!!!

DEEP TMS ARRIVES IN MICHIGAN!!!
TRANSCRANIAL MAGNETIC STIMULATION (TMS) – REGULAR VS DEEP
Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) is a non-medication treatment for depression that was
approved by the FDA in 2008. TMS uses an MRI-strength magnet to activate the part of the
brain found to be underactive in depression. In an effort to expand and improve upon the
original magnet, the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) developed a new magnet which
penetrates even deeper into the brain for the purpose of improved patient outcomes. This deeper
type of TMS is called “Deep TMS”, or dTMS, and was approved by the FDA in 2013. The
patent for this newer magnet continues to be held by the National Institute of Mental Health.
Michigan Integrative Holistic Psychiatry (MIHP) is the first provider in the state of Michigan to
offer this treatment.
IS THIS ECT?
No. ECT (Electroconvulsive Therapy, or “Shock Therapy”) requires general anesthesia, time off
from work, and may result in memory loss. In contrast, TMS is an outpatient procedure, patients
can drive independently to and from their appointments, and the most common side effect is a
temporary headache.
WHAT’S INVOLVED?
A cap is placed on the patient’s head and the magnetic coil inside the cap generates electrical
activity that to the patient feels like a woodpecker. The most common side effect is a mild
headache which is temporary. Treatments are 20 minutes long. Patients require daily treatment,
five days per week, for a total of 20 treatments.
Of note, regular TMS (as opposed to deep TMS) requires treatments which are 40 minutes long,
also five days per week, for a total of 30 treatments. The headache from regular TMS appears to
be more painful than from deep TMS.
REMISSION OF DEPRESSION, SUCCESS RATES
 Trial of one antidepressant - 33 – 35%
 TMS – 60%
 ECT – 80%
The above remission rates are based on the studies presented to the FDA. In the real world, as
practitioners become more familiar with TMS technology and available protocols, the remission
rates seem to be climbing higher than the 60% originally reported.
DOES IT HOLD?
Yes. Preliminary studies indicate that 6 months after a successful course of TMS, patients have
low relapse rates – possibly lower than the relapse rates after ECT. However, further studies are
required to quantify this more precisely.
DOES INSURANCE COVER THIS?
It is just starting to. Priority Health does. BCBS may (after much paperwork). At MIHP, we are
dedicated to educating the medical insurance payers about the importance of covering this
treatment. If insurance does not pay, average out-of-pocket cost for a full course of TMS
(whether dTMS at MIHP or regular TMS elsewhere) is $8500 - $10,000.
THE FUTURE OF dTMS
In Europe, dTMS has been approved for multiple indications besides depression, including
Bipolar Depression. At MIHP, we are familiar with the dTMS treatment parameters that are
being used to treat Bipolar Disorder (though this would be considered an “off-label” treatment).
Deep TMS is also being studied for the treatment of PTSD, negative symptoms of
Schizophrenia, Alzheimer’s & Parkinson’s dementia, autism, smoking cessation, and obesity,
among others. More information about deep TMS, and the studies supporting it, can be found
online at www.Brainsway.com.
ABOUT US
Michigan Integrative Holistic Psychiatry (MIHP) is a psychiatric clinic specializing in treatmentresistant mood disorders. While we ultimately believe that the “cure” for mood disorders is
counseling, we offer a variety of biological treatments to expedite the time it takes for a client to
feel well. We provide biological treatments in the form of advanced Psychopharmacology (aka
“Conventional Medicine”), in addition to Complementary & Alternative Medicine approaches
including herbals/nutraceuticals and electromagnetic treatments supported by research.
Psychiatric care at MIHP is provided by two physician assistants (clients will be assigned to one
physician assistant who will remain the primary provider), hand-picked and excruciatingly
trained by Lila Massoumi, MD, Chair of the American Psychiatric Association’s Caucus on
Complementary, Alternative, & Integrative Medicine; Clinical Associate Professor of Psychiatry
at Michigan State University; and past-chair of the inpatient psychiatric unit of an underserved
medical hospital (Hurley Medical Center).
In most cases, new clients who call for a psychiatric evaluation will be seen within 24 – 48
hours.
CONTACT US
Michigan Integrative Holistic Psychiatry
31555 W 14 Mile Rd, Suite 103
(corner of Orchard Lake & 14 Mile)
Farmington Hills, MI 48334
(248) 468-1889
www.DrLMassoumi.com