TMS covered by the NHS?
TMS on the NHS: At present, TMS treatment is widely available through private clinics in the UK. Some TMS clinics are working towards establishing a joint effort with their local NHS trust & the clinical commissioning group (CCG) within their region to provide funding for severe cases. Therefore, this relationship is in working progress and will take some time to be established. Most of all, there are some factors to be considered, such as the amount of funding available to that particular CCG, funding available for mental health needs overall and most importantly how determined the government is taking a new approach to treating disorders such as depression.
TMS on the NHS
Transcranial magnetic stimulation treatment for depression was approved by the National Institute for Health & Care Excellence (NICE) in December 2015. In addition, the NICE committee has recognised the Safety and efficacy of treating some types of depression with TMS and has consistently noted the positive outcomes of the treatment from published studies.
Comparison of TMS, Medicine & ECT
Studies have shown that the front-left side of the brain is an area that can be under-active in individuals with depression, hence the rationale for the site of the stimulation. Furthermore, TMS treatment utilises a coil that is placed over the prefrontal cortex by a trained TMS technician. Additionally, this coil is designed to deliver highly focused magnetic pulses. These electromagnetic fields created by the magnetic coil turn on and off very rapidly.
TMS Benefits
TMS treatment can be a life-changing treatment for patients suffering from severe depression symptoms. Thus, Patients treated with TMS report relief from the emotional effects of depression and experience improvement in mood, changes in appetite, body aches and lack of energy, improved motivation, and confidence.
- It is highly effective in treating depression
- Long-lasting treatment with minimal side effects
- Treatment’s well tolerated
- Unlike ECT, no anaesthesia’s required
- Daily activities resumed immediately after each session
- TMS Cost
One course of treatment: £4000
Per session £200
