2300 Pennsylvania Ave #4C-1
Wilmington, DE 19806
Mon - Thrs: 10am - 4pm
Fri: 10am-2pm
Sat & Sun: Closed
*By Appointment Only
Mon - Thurs: 10am - 4pm
Fri: 10am-2pm
*By Appointment Only
By Dr. Jack Castro of Brandywine Valley TMS in Wilmington Delaware
It's important to know that you are not alone. Get help with depression today!
In autumn of 2023, I had the pleasure of meeting Mr. Mark, who had been grappling with feelings of depression for the past 4-5 years. Various stressors involving his family and friends had compounded, leading Mr. Mark to develop persistent low moods that defied conventional treatments. Despite once finding joy in golf, he now lacked interest in the sport. His business had significantly slowed, making it challenging for him to connect with potential clients. Mr. Mark was under the care of a reputable psychiatric clinic in Wilmington, DE, a facility that I highly recommend. He had been prescribed bupropion (Wellbutrin), which unfortunately caused excessive night sweating. Additionally, he had been prescribed sertraline (Zoloft), which led to rare side effects of suicidal thoughts.
Mr. Mark's battle with depression was marked by frequent bouts of tears, low energy levels, a significant 35-pound weight loss, and excessive worrying. In a desperate attempt to find relief, he experimented with marijuana and hallucinogenic mushrooms, but to no avail. Upon the recommendation of his therapist, he explored the option of TMS therapy. Mr. Mark reached out to various TMS clinics in the vicinity, only to discover that one of the leading providers had a waiting period of 2-3 months for new patients. Fortunately, we had availability and was able to promptly commence TMS treatment for Mr. Mark.
On November 30, 2023, our TMS treatment began for Mr. Mark. His PHQ9 depression scale score was 22 out of 27, indicating severe depression. Similarly, his GAD7 anxiety survey score was 17 out of 21, also classified as severe.
During the initial TMS sessions, we established Mr. Mark's motor threshold (MT) at 45% and targeted stimulation at his left dorsolateral pre-frontal cortex, located near the forehead. We introduced the iTBS modality, a brief yet potent TMS treatment compared to the standard 10 Hz. Mr. Mark underwent two iTBS sessions at the start of his treatment, each lasting less than 7 minutes.
By his 11th session, Mr. Mark's depression persisted as his PHQ9 score had only slightly decreased from 22 to 20. To address this, we incorporated standard TMS at 10 Hz frequency with an increased pulse count of 4000, surpassing the usual 3000 pulses.
To provide context, the FDA advises a regimen of 3000 pulses per session at a 10 Hz frequency for treating resistant depression with TMS. However, by the 11th day, Mr. Mark was receiving 4000 pulses plus two iTBS treatments, equivalent to a typical 3000-pulse session each. Consequently, he was receiving a total of 10,000 pulses daily during our post-day 11 meetings. This level of customization is achievable at our clinic due to frequent patient consultations throughout the TMS protocol, allowing for adjustments, calculated risks, and surpassing FDA recommendations. This tailored approach sets us apart from TMS providers operating on a franchise model nationwide, where treatments are uniform, and Success with TMS is limited to those aligning closely with the standard patient profile.
Mr. Mark's mood started showing improvements in a significant way at about session 17, approximately 4-5 weeks after starting treatment. He persevered and kept coming in for more TMS sessions. It has been reported in the scientific literature that some patients who undergo TMS only notice relief after all 36 sessions have been completed, a delayed effect, if you will. Therefore, it’s imperative that patients push through to achieve real Success with TMS.
Hear What Mr. Mark Had To Say About TMS Therapy
Mr. Mark's Symptom Tracking with PHQ-9
11-30-23 PHQ9 = 22
12-04-23 PHQ9 = 21
12-11-23 PHQ9 = 20
12-18-23 PHQ9 = 22
12-26-23 PHQ9 = 11
01-02-24 PHQ9 = 08
01-08-24 PHQ9 = 08
01-17-24 PHQ9 = 02
01-22-24 PHQ9 = 01
01-30-24 PHQ9 = 01
Mr. Mark successfully completed all 36 sessions by 2-7-24, and his symptoms have now completely disappeared. He has chosen to forgo maintenance treatment at this time and is not utilizing any psychotropic medications. Instead, he continues to engage with a psychotherapist to develop psychological tools for effectively managing stress. He shared that the recent holiday season was the most enjoyable for him and his family in years. Hosting Christmas at his home, a notion that seemed impossible just a few months ago, was a highlight. While I have not yet met his family, he mentioned that they have observed his renewed vitality. Mr. Mark has relaunched his career and life.
This honest TMS therapy review for depression treatment highlights the transformative impact of TMS, especially in cases where traditional medication approaches and psychotherapy are not effective for whatever reasons. TMS does require work and commitment on the part of the patient, but if the above-mentioned treatment options are not being helpful, one must try everything and anything that is available. Fortunately, TMS is available for patients that live in the areas of New Castle, Chester, Delaware, Salem & Cecil County.
10.1046/j.1525-1497.2001.016009606.x
Video Edit & Captions Added Using Descript
TMS Treatment Could Change Your Life!
TMS Therapy, an FDA-approved treatment, is non-invasive and non-sedative, offering minimal to no side effects. Unlike mental health medications, which frequently bring about undesirable side effects, TMS therapy provides an immediate sense of optimal well-being following treatment sessions. Patients often experience noticeable positive changes as early as the third week, and sometimes even sooner. On this page, we've shared one real-world patient experience.
TMS has gained a strong reputation as an outstanding alternative for individuals who do not experience positive results from traditional mental health medications.
Local to Wilmington Delaware? Contact Brandywine Valley TMS today!
Brandywine Valley TMS is committed to supporting your mental health as well as our community. If you reside in or near Wilmington Delaware, Hockessin, New Castle, Christiana, Bear, Middletown, Townsend, Newark or Dover, we'll assist you in regaining your mental well-being. Our depression treatments are covered by most insurance plans, are FDA-approved, non-invasive, and free of drug side effects.
Get the help you deserve.
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Mon - Thrs: 10am - 4pm
Fri: 10am - 2pm
Sat & Sun: Closed
*By Appointment Only
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