One-third of treatment-resistant depression patients find relief with TMS at Capital Region’s Brain Stimulation Center in Iceland

A new study has revealed that approximately one-third of patients suffering from treatment-resistant depression have found relief from their symptoms following several weeks of transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) treatment at the Capital Region’s Brain Stimulation Center. This promising outcome is particularly notable for individuals who had previously not responded to medication or other treatments.

Conducted between 2022 and 2023, the research involved 104 patients who had exhausted conventional treatment options without success. The findings showed that nearly 32 percent of participants achieved full recovery, with an even higher percentage experiencing significant benefits from the therapy.

TMS treatment stimulates brain cells using magnetic pulses to promote altered neural connections. The success of the treatment aligns with previous international studies, indicating that it can serve as a viable option for those struggling with chronic depression.

Jón Gauti Jónsson, the team leader at the Brain Stimulation Center, noted that ongoing data collection during the study has further validated their results. He remarked that the outcomes provide a beacon of hope for patients who feel trapped in their mental health challenges, comparing the treatment to breaking free from a difficult situation that can open new opportunities for recovery.

While TMS is relatively new in the country, it has been recognized as an effective treatment for persistent depression in the U.S. since 2008. Jón Gauti emphasized the need for better accessibility to this treatment across Iceland, especially for individuals living outside urban areas, where they face logistical challenges and costs associated with travel to the facility for the required 30-day treatment regimen. The center currently operates three devices to accommodate increasing patient demand.