TMS Treatment in Melbourne: When It May Be an Option
If depression or anxiety is still affecting everyday life despite treatment, it can be hard to know what to consider next.
Transcranial magnetic stimulation, commonly called TMS, is a non-invasive treatment that may be an option for some people after assessment by a psychiatrist.
If you are looking into TMS treatment in Melbourne, it can help to understand where it may fit within a broader mental health treatment plan and what the next steps might involve.
When might TMS treatment be considered?
TMS treatment uses magnetic pulses to stimulate specific areas of the brain involved in mood regulation. It is most often considered for people experiencing depression, especially when antidepressant medication or psychological therapy has not led to enough improvement, or when medication side effects have been difficult to manage.
TMS may be considered as part of a treatment plan for some people experiencing depression, particularly when other treatments have not provided enough improvement or have caused difficult side effects. It is not suitable for everyone, so a psychiatrist will consider the person’s symptoms, treatment history, overall health and individual circumstances before recommending treatment.
In Australia, the delivery of repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation, or rTMS, is supported by professional practice guidelines developed through the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists. The guidelines provide current advice for clinicians administering rTMS and aim to promote evidence-based practice and optimal standards of care (Hussain et al., 2024).
Can TMS treatment be considered for anxiety?
TMS is best known as a treatment option for depression. However, it may also be suitable for some people experiencing anxiety, including when anxiety occurs alongside depression. Whether TMS treatment is relevant will depend on the person’s symptoms, diagnosis, treatment history and broader clinical needs.
A psychiatric assessment is therefore important. It allows the treating team to determine whether TMS should be considered and how it may fit with other elements of care, such as medication, psychological support or a structured mental health program.
Accessing TMS treatment in Melbourne
Fullarton Clinic provides TMS treatment in Melbourne within a private hospital environment.
TMS is available to both inpatients and outpatients, allowing care to be considered within the setting that best reflects each person’s clinical needs and treatment plan.
A typical course of TMS commonly involves five sessions per week over 4 to 6 weeks. For some people, occasional maintenance sessions may also be recommended as part of their ongoing care.
For inpatients, TMS may form part of broader hospital-based care. For outpatients, treatment can be received while continuing with everyday life. In either setting, your individual suitability and the most appropriate pathway are determined through clinical assessment and medical oversight.
How inpatient treatment can help people living with depression or anxiety?
When regular outpatient appointments are not providing enough support, mental health rehabilitation may offer greater structure and clinical oversight.
In an inpatient setting, a person can step away from some everyday pressures and focus more closely on treatment in a hospital environment.
At Fullarton Clinic, inpatient mental health treatment is overseen by an admitting psychiatrist and supported by a multidisciplinary team. Treatment for depression can also include support for co-occurring conditions such as anxiety or dual diagnosis.
Treatment may focus on understanding symptoms, developing practical coping strategies, improving emotional regulation and planning for ongoing care. It is about providing an appropriate level of care and helping each person build skills and supports for daily life.
Is TMS an option for you?
If previous treatment has not provided enough improvement, learning about other evidence-based options and our person-centred approach can help you have a more informed discussion with your treating doctor. TMS may offer another pathway for some people experiencing depression and, in certain circumstances, anxiety, but the decision needs to be based on an individual assessment rather than general information alone.
To ask about treatment, eligibility considerations and care available at Fullarton Clinic, complete the form below. You can also ask your GP or psychiatrist for a referral to Fullarton Clinic and discuss whether an assessment may be appropriate.
Reference
- Hussain, S., Chamoli, S., Fitzgerald, P., Gandhi, A., Gill, S., Sarma, S., & Loo, C. (2024). Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists professional practice guidelines for the administration of repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation. Australian & New Zealand Journal of Psychiatry, 58(8), 641–655. https://doi.org/10.1177/00048674241249846
This article provides general information and is not a substitute for personalised medical advice. Please speak with your GP, psychiatrist or treating clinician about whether TMS may be appropriate for your circumstances.