At Cam-Mind, we are committed to providing clear and comprehensive information to help you understand the process and benefits of TMS therapy.
TMS treatment is suitable for individuals with depression who have not responded to or cannot tolerate psychotherapy or antidepressants. It is also effective for treating obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) and addictions.
Register your interest, and we will contact you. Patients should be referred by their GP or psychiatrist. Once we receive your referral, we schedule an online psychiatric assessment to evaluate your suitability for TMS.
After your assessment, we book your TMS treatment. You can choose the CAM-FAST protocol, which involves 20 sessions over five half-days from Friday to Tuesday, or the standard protocol spread over a longer period.
We use a dedicated app to assess your symptoms before and after treatment. We also conduct follow-up assessments one week after treatment and, with your consent, monthly for the next year. These assessments help you decide whether to consult with your GP or psychiatrist for further advice or consider additional treatment if necessary.
TMS is a non-invasive treatment that uses magnetic fields to stimulate nerve cells in the brain, often used to treat depression and other mental health conditions.
TMS is a safe and well-tolerated procedure with minimal side effects. It is FDA-approved and CE-marked for the treatment of depression.
During a TMS session, you’ll be seated comfortably while a device is placed against your scalp to deliver magnetic pulses. The procedure is painless, and you can resume normal activities immediately afterward.
The most common side effects are mild scalp discomfort or headache, which usually resolve on their own. Serious side effects are rare.
Many insurance providers cover TMS for depression, but coverage can vary. It’s best to check with your provider or contact us for assistance.
In most cases, patients can continue taking their prescribed medications during TMS therapy. However, it’s important to discuss your specific situation with your healthcare provider.
Yes, you can drive yourself home after TMS, as the procedure does not impair your ability to drive or perform daily activities.
No, TMS (Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation) is not recommended during pregnancy. The safety of TMS in pregnant women has not been thoroughly studied, so as a precaution, we advise against undergoing TMS treatment while pregnant. If you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant, please consult your healthcare provider to explore alternative treatment options.
Unlike ECT, TMS does not require anesthesia and has fewer side effects. It’s also less invasive, making it a preferred option for many patients.
The CaM-FAST (Cambridge-Mind Fudan Accelerated Sequential TMS) protocol is an innovative TMS treatment approach developed by the CAM-Mind research team. It targets two different brain networks associated with depression, recognizing and treating depression as a network disorder, and delivers treatment in an accelerated schedule.
Unlike the standard TMS protocol, which typically spans 20 days, the CaM-FAST protocol delivers all 20 sessions over just 5 days. This accelerated schedule includes five 15-minute sessions per day with 45-minute intervals, offering a more rapid treatment course.
The dual and accelerated stimulation nature of CaM-FAST leads to a rapid onset of antidepressant effects. In our randomized controlled trial, 50% of patients were clinical responders* in 5 days, and 60% were clinical responders within the first month. 95% showed a clinically meaningful decrease in depression** in 5 days. This rapid improvement occurs in patients who have previously failed psychotherapy and antidepressants.
*Greater than 50% decrease in depression severity from baseline
**Greater than 4 point decrease in depression severity from baseline
This condensed treatment is particularly beneficial for those with busy schedules who seek effective treatment without a prolonged time commitment.
Yes, the CaM-FAST protocol is safe. While it delivers treatment in an accelerated timeframe, the sessions are carefully structured with appropriate intervals to ensure patient safety and treatment efficacy. Any potential side effects are closely monitored throughout the process.
Each session in the CaM-FAST protocol lasts approximately 15 minutes. With five sessions scheduled per day and 45-minute breaks in between, the treatment is completed over half-day blocks from Friday to Tuesday.
TMS is a non-invasive treatment that uses magnetic fields to stimulate nerve cells in the brain, often used to treat depression and other mental health conditions.
Patients undergoing the CaM-FAST protocol can expect rapid results, with 50% showing significant improvement by Day 5 and 60% responding within the first month. The accelerated schedule allows for quicker relief from depressive symptoms.
To begin treatment with the CaM-FAST protocol, schedule a consultation with one of our TMS specialists. They will evaluate your condition and discuss whether the CaM-FAST protocol is the best option for your treatment.