Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) therapy has gained significant attention as a non-invasive treatment for conditions like depression and obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), providing relief for those who haven’t found success with traditional treatments. While standard TMS therapy has been a game-changer for many people, recent advancements have led to the development of a more intensive and effective protocol known as SAINT TMS, or Stanford Accelerated Intelligent Neuromodulation Therapy.
In this article, we’ll share what you need to know about SAINT TMS, including how it’s different from regular TMS, its effectiveness, and who is a good candidate for treatment. If you’re considering TMS therapy, understanding the difference between these two methods can help you find the right treatment for your needs.
What is SAINT TMS?
SAINT TMS, or Stanford Accelerated Intelligence Neuromodulation Therapy, is an advanced, FDA-approved form of Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS). It offers a more sophisticated and targeted approach to treating depression and other neuropsychiatric conditions.
SAINT TMS was developed through ongoing research at Stanford University and is distinguished from traditional TMS by combining advanced technology with a personalized, accelerated treatment protocol.
Conventional TMS therapy has already been proven to alleviate symptoms of treatment-resistant depression (TRD) and other conditions like anxiety, migraines, and smoking cessation. SAINT TMS enhances these benefits by providing faster, more effective relief, particularly for those who haven’t found success with other treatments.
There are three core principles of SAINT TMS are:
- Personalization: Each treatment is tailored to the individual’s brain activity.
- Acceleration: The intensive treatment protocol provides quicker, more significant improvements.
- Precision: Advanced targeting delivers stimulation to the regions that need it the most.
Unlike standard TMS protocols, which follow a fixed treatment pattern, SAINT TMS is responsive. Each patient’s progress is continuously monitored and protocols are adjusted in real time to produce the most effective results. This helps ensure clinical precision and individualized care – two important elements for achieving lasting results in mental health.
How SAINT TMS works
SAINT TMS uses advanced brain mapping technology to pinpoint the exact regions of the brain responsible for mood regulation. Think of it like a GPS system – before starting treatment, doctors create a highly detailed map of brain activity to ensure the magnetic stimulation is delivered precisely where it’s needed.
Once the optimal treatment areas are identified, magnetic pulses are delivered through a specialized coil to the patient’s scalp. These pulses work by restoring normal neural activity in parts of the brain that show reduced function, helping rebalance brain chemistry and improve mood.
See: What is Brain Mapping for Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS)?
What’s involved in the SAINT TMS treatment process?
If you’re considering SAINT TMS, here’s what you can expect from the process:
Initial consultation
Your treatment journey begins with a comprehensive evaluation by a mental health professional who will review your medical history, assess your symptoms, and determine whether SAINT TMS is the best approach for your needs.
Brain mapping
The first SAINT TMS session involves brain mapping, where advanced imaging techniques, like functional MRI (fMRI) are used to map out the stimulation sites in your brain. This step ensures the treatment is customized to your unique brain activity for maximum effectiveness.
Treatment sessions
Unlike traditional TMS, which can take weeks, SAINT TMS is completed in just five days. The accelerated schedule consists of:
- 10 treatment sessions per day
- Each session lasting 10 minutes
- 50-minute breaks between sessions.
You will remain awake and comfortable throughout the procedure, which is completely non-invasive. Many patients notice improved mood and energy levels within days.
Final evaluation & ongoing care
After completing the treatment, your progress will be evaluated in a follow-up assessment. Many patients achieve long-lasting relief from their symptoms, but ongoing mental health support might be recommended to sustain results. This can include maintenance TMS sessions.
Differences between SAINT TMS vs traditional TMS
Traditional TMS is a proven treatment for people with depression and other conditions, and SAINT TMS offers a newer, more advanced version that works faster, more precisely, and with better results.
Below, we outline the key differences between SAINT TMS and traditional TMS therapy.
Faster treatment with intermittent theta-burst stimulation (iTBS)
SAINT TMS uses a method called intermittent theta-burst stimulation (iTBS), which works much faster than traditional TMS. iTBS delivers stimulation using theta waves, which the brain naturally uses to form memories, regulate sleep, and communicate between regions.
While traditional TMS uses standard repetitive magnetic pulses over sessions that last between 30 to 60 minutes, SAINT TMS uses iTBS to deliver highly efficient three-minute stimulation sessions, reducing overall treatment time.
Since SAINT TMS works in a much shorter timeframe, many people start to feel better within a week, instead of waiting over a month for results.
More accurate targeting with brain scans
In traditional TMS, doctors place the magnetic coil on the head using basic measurements based on the triangulation between the patient’s nose, ears, and top of the head. But this method doesn’t always target the exact right spot in the brain.
With SAINT TMS, a functional MRI brain scan is used to find the exact part of the brain that needs stimulation. This method was developed by the team at Stanford University and is one of the distinguishing characteristics of the SAINT protocol, helping make the treatment more effective.
Consistent coil placement with neuronavigation
Another major improvement in SAINT TMS is how precisely the magnetic coil is placed on the head. In traditional TMS, a technician places the device by hand. This can lead to slight differences each session.
SAINT TMS uses a special tracking system called neuronavigation to make sure the device is placed in the exact same spot every time. This produces more reliable results and means there’s less chance of missing the right area.
Shorter, more convenient treatment schedule
SAINT TMS accelerates the treatment schedule, making it more convenient for people with busy lives. Compared to standard TMS, which requires four to six weeks of treatment, SAINT TMS can be finished in just five days. This makes the treatment much easier to fit around work, school, or family life.
Similar Reading: Accelerated TMS vs. Traditional TMS: Which One Makes Sense for You?
Is SAINT TMS more effective than conventionalTMS?
Yes, SAINT TMS is more effective than conventional TMS. The biggest reason for this is how SAINT TMS targets the brain. Instead of using a general placement method like conventional TMS, SAINT TMS uses advanced fMRI brain imaging to find the exact areas that need stimulation. This personalized approach leads to better results because the treatment is tailored to each individual.
SAINT TMS also delivers more powerful and focused magnetic pulses and has shorter treatment sessions with higher response and remission rates.
Clinical trials for SAINT TMS all show promising results. In one 2021 study, 79% of patients achieved remission from depression in just 5 days of treatment. In another randomized control trial, 85.7% of patients saw a significant improvement in symptoms and 78.6% achieved full remission. Even one month later, 60% of patients remained in remission, showing lasting effects.
These numbers are significantly higher than what’s typically seen with conventional TMS, although researchers are still studying how long the benefits last. Some patients experience long-term remission while others may need occasional follow-up treatment.
See: Short-Term and Long-Term Efficacy of Accelerated Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation for Depression
The effectiveness of SAINT TMS compared to other treatments
The table below compares the effectiveness of SAINT TMS therapy with other depression treatments:
| TREATMENT | AVERAGE REMISSION RATE | TREATMENT DURATION |
| Conventional TMS (rTMS/iTBS) | 30 to 50% | 4 to 6 weeks |
| Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) | 50 to 60% | Multiple sessions over weeks |
| SAINT TMS | 78 to 85% | 5 days |
Read More: TMS vs. ECT: Which is better?
Am I a good candidate for SAINT TMS?
SAINT TMS offers faster and more effective relief than conventional TMS, but is it the right option for you?
Here are some factors that determine whether you’re a good candidate for SAINT TMS.
You have been diagnosed with Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) or Treatment-Resistant Depression (TRD)
SAINT TMS is FDA-approved for treating major depressive disorder (MDD), particularly in cases of treatment-resistant depression (TRD). If you’ve tried multiple antidepressants or other treatments with little to no success, SAINT TMS may be a promising alternative.
You’ve tried antidepressants with no success
If antidepressants haven’t worked for you, you’re not alone. A 2022 reanalysis of the largest antidepressant study ever conducted found that only about one third of patients experience symptom relief from traditional antidepressants. Trying more than two medications rarely improves outcomes, with less than 2% of patients finding success with a third or fourth medication.
If you fall into the two-thirds of people for whom antidepressants don’t work, SAINT TMS could be a better fit.
See: What to Do When Antidepressants Don’t Work for You (and Why)
You experience side effects from your antidepressant medication
Many antidepressants cause side effects like insomnia, nausea, headaches, irritability, weight gain, or anxiety. Some long-term effects, such as an increased risk of type 2 diabetes, can also be a concern.
SAINT TMS offers an alternative with minimal and short-lived side effects. The most common are mild headaches and scalp discomfort, both of which usually fade away after the initial treatments. Serious risks, such as seizures, are extremely rare with fewer than 3 per 100,000 sessions.
Continue Reading: TMS Side Effects: All You Need to Know
Traditional TMS didn’t work for you
If you’ve tried repetitive TMS (rTMS) and didn’t see improvement, it doesn’t mean that TMS isn’t for you. Traditional TMS often struggles with imprecise coil placement which can lead to inconsistent results.
SAINT TMS addresses this issue by using fMRI and neuronavigation to ensure the correct brain region is targeted for each patient. This dramatically increases its effectiveness, even for those who didn’t respond to standard TMS.
Read: How Successful is TMS Therapy?
Your depression is impacting your daily functioning
If depression is making it difficult to function – whether through suicidal thoughts, loss of motivation, or an inability to complete daily tasks – SAINT TMS may be a faster and more effective solution. Unlike antidepressants or therapy, which can take weeks or months to show results, SAINT TMS has been shown to reduce depressive symptoms in as little as five days.
In fact, research suggests that SAINT TMS may be especially effective for reducing suicidal ideation as it targets brain regions involved in emotional regulation and cognitive control.
Your schedule makes conventional TMS difficult
Traditional TMS treatments require daily 40-minute sessions for four to six weeks, which can be difficult for those with work, childcare, or other commitments.
SAINT TMS offers a shorter and more intensive schedule that can make it more accessible for those with busy lives.
You can cover the cost of SAINT TMS
While traditional TMS is typically covered by insurance, SAINT TMS and other accelerated protocols are not yet widely covered. Most insurance providers require patients to have failed at least two to four antidepressant medications before covering standard TMS.
SAINT TMS treatment costs can range from $6,000 to $15,000 out of pocket. However, many clinics offer options to help make the treatment more affordable. If you’d like to discuss payment options, contact our team at BestMind Behavioral Health for more information.
Who is not a good candidate for SAINT TMS?
SAINT TMS is generally well-tolerated by most people, but certain conditions can make the treatment unsuitable or require extra caution. In many cases, the decision comes down to whether the potential benefits outweigh the risks.
If any of the following applies to you, it’s important to discuss it with your healthcare provider before treatment.
You have a metal implant in your head
SAINT TMS relies on magnetic fields, which can interfere with metal implants in or near the brain. If you have any of the following, you may not be suitable for SAINT TMS:
- Cochlear implants
- Internal pulse generators
- Medication pumps
- Stents
- Aneurysm clips or coils
- Bullet fragments or shrapnel.
Dental fillings and braces are safe. If your implant is made of non-conductive plastic or titanium, it may still be possible to undergo treatment, but you should consult a specialist.
You have a history of seizures
SAINT TMS can lower the seizure threshold, which means it may not be suitable for people with a history of seizures or certain neurological conditions, including:
- Epilepsy
- Traumatic brain injury (TBI)
- Multiple sclerosis (MS)
- Alzheimer’s disease.
If you’ve experienced seizures in the past, we will carefully assess your risk factors before recommending SAINT TMS. In some cases, it may still be an option under close supervision. Don’t hesitate to contact us if you have any questions or concerns.
You’re taking certain medications
Certain prescription medications can increase the risk of seizures or interfere with the effectiveness of SAINT TMS. If you’re on any of the following, be sure to let your provider know during your consultation:
- Medications that lower the seizure threshold, including some antipsychotics, stimulants, or high-dose antidepressants
- Certain mood stabilizers or sedatives.
Explore SAINT TMS
If you’re struggling with depression and haven’t found relief from traditional medications, or if you’ve tried TMS with no results, SAINT TMS may be worth exploring. Contact our team to discuss your suitability for this advanced treatment today.
