Why this matters
Patients with treatment-resistant depression (TRD) often improve during acute TMS. The key question is how long these gains last and what helps prevent relapse.
Takeaway: Remission after acute TMS can be durable.
The likelihood of staying well is higher when a structured maintenance plan is used.
Study overview
Participants received a standard course of high-frequency, left-prefrontal TMS for major depressive disorder with inadequate response to medications. Outcomes were tracked after the acute course to observe remission durability and relapse rates under usual-care conditions.
Key observations
- Durable benefit: A meaningful proportion of acute responders maintained remission at follow-up.
- Maintenance matters: Patients using taper protocols, pharmacotherapy optimization, or scheduled maintenance TMS showed fewer relapses.
- Safety profile: Maintenance approaches preserved the favorable safety/tolerability seen during acute treatment.
Maintenance strategies
Maintenance is individualized and can include:
- TMS taper after the acute series
- Medication management coordinated with psychiatry
- Planned “booster” or maintenance TMS sessions
- Psychotherapy and behavioral supports
What this means for patients
For many with TRD, acute TMS can open a path to remission. Building a maintenance plan with your care team helps protect those gains over the long term.
Note: This page summarizes findings for general understanding and does not replace medical advice.
Discuss maintenance options with your clinician to tailor a plan for you.