Feasibility Pilot of Accelerated Stimulation With TMS for Treatment of Major Depressive Disorder (FAST-MDD)

This is a mixed-methods study that includes three steps. The first is a focus group to collect opinions and feedback about implementation of aTMS among clinicians, technicians, nurses, and other clinical staff at the St. Louis Park (SLP) clinic who are experienced with delivering TMS. The second is the delivery of a set of questionnaires delivered to TMS patients at the SLP clinic who are awaiting the start of their TMS series. The third is the delivery of aTMS utilizing the MagVenture TMS device to patients on the SLP rTMS waitlist.

The purpose of this feasibility study is to examine the acceptability and efficacy of Accelerated Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (aTMS) delivered using an accelerated schedule. Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (rTMS) is traditionally delivered once a day, five days a week, for nearly 7 weeks for a total of 36 treatments. While aTMS is quick to deliver, a standard session lasting 10-20 minutes, this schedule is time intensive for patients. It often requires time off from work to accommodate daily driving time to and from the clinic as well as treatment time. This can be disruptive to a patients life and ability to attend all treatment sessions while continuing with their own life responsibilities.