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Maintenance TMS is not well studied and opinions vary greatly on its necessity and effectiveness. At this time, there is no solid evidence to support the use of Maintenance TMS once the initial episode of treatment is over. However, many doctors believe that Maintenance TMS sessions can prevent recurrence of symptoms. Some patients receive regular intermittent treatments after their initial course to alleviate symptoms such as low mood, and report satisfactory results from Maintenance TMS. Doctors and clinics that support Maintenance TMS suggest a frequency of sessions that can range from 1 per week to as little as 1 per month. It is highly recommended that you talk to your doctor about Maintenance TMS before starting your initial course.
It’s been three years since my initial six weeks of treatment and during the first year I had only two maintenance sessions, about six months apart. The second year I went for one maintenance session every other month. The third year it was about the same. At the end of the third year I had an extended period of intense stress resulting in a depression relapse and had to go for several treatments in a row. Now my doctor and I have decided that I’ll receive a minimum of one treatment per month, although I have a prescription for twice a month if we decide I need it. All of this is contingent on my commitment to following a healthy diet, good sleep habits, no alcohol or recreational drug consumption, exercise, and wise stress management. This strategy has allowed me to manage my depression without antidepressant medications.
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