As someone who’s had ECT and is currently undergoing TMS, the difference between the two is enormous. With ECT I had to quit work for weeks and have a relative drive me to and from shock appointments. TMS appointments are as easy as going to the dentist, with only a mild headache as a side-effect. I haven’t had to take off nearly as much work.
A big draw of TMS to me was the low occurrence of side-effects. I had two bouts of ECT and while the first course of shock therapy helped my depression, it caused severe memory loss. I lost almost 4 years of episodic memory and it’s never come back. My short-term memory has also been impaired.
The biggest difference between ECT and TMS for me was insurance coverage. My insurance will cover electroshock therapy, but refused coverage for TMS because it’s considered “experimental.”
I have no idea if TMS will work, but fingers are crossed…