These are the most widely accepted criteria used by our clinic and insurers for Deep TMS™:
1. Age
- 18 years or older (some programs may allow minors 16-18 with special evaluation).
2. Diagnosis:
A confirmed diagnosis of Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) according to DSM-5 criteria (moderate to severe depression).
- Deep TMS™ may also be used for Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD), PTSD, and smoking cessation in some cases, but coverage varies.
3. Treatment History
- You generally must have not responded adequately to standard treatments, such as:
- Trials of antidepressant medications of adequate dose and duration (often from at least two different medication classes).
- Often, failure of psychotherapy may also be part of standard clinical criteria.
4. Safety & Medical Considerations
You must be medically stable and safe for treatment:
- No conductive or magnetic-sensitive metal implants in or near the head (e.g., intracranial metal, aneurysm clips, cochlear implants).
- No implanted electronic/magnetic devices (e.g., pacemakers, defibrillators, deep brain stimulators).
- A careful review of medical history for seizure risk; active seizure disorders often disqualify you.
- No unmanaged psychosis or acute unstable psychiatric conditions.
Other Typical Requirements
These may not be strict rules but are common clinical practices:
5. Psychiatric Evaluation
Before Deep TMS™, a psychiatrist typically:
- Confirms the diagnosis.
- Reviews previous treatments and medical risks.
6. Commitment to Treatment Schedule
Deep TMS™ usually involves daily sessions 5 days/week for several weeks, so you need to commit to this schedule.
7. Insurance Requirements
If you want insurance coverage (which often affects access):
- Insurance plans may require documentation of failed medication trials and prior treatment attempts.
- A formal letter of medical necessity from your treating psychiatrist is commonly required.
(Actual requirements vary by insurer.)
Common Contraindications
You may not be eligible for Deep TMS™ if you have:
- Implanted magnetic-sensitive devices or metal near stimulation site.
- History of seizures or epilepsy without managed control.
- Certain neurological conditions (like some brain lesions).
- Unstable or unmanaged psychiatric conditions (active psychosis).