BRIGhTMIND is researching two treatments: Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (rTMS) and a new type of TMS called Theta-burst Stimulation (TBS). The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) in the UK has looked at the evidence for treatment by TMS and advised that it is a safe treatment. The BRIGhTMIND research hopes to generate more evidence for the effectiveness of TMS and thereby hopefully increase its availability across the country.

Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation may sound intimidating or scary name but simply describes the way in which the treatment uses a magnetic device to stimulate the parts of the brain related to mood. A magnetic field is used to activate electrical activity in the brain to improve the way in which the brain processes information. Whilst both treatments have shown to be effective, it is hoped that the Theta-burst Stimulation may enable people to experience the benefits of treatment for longer than standard-TMS (rTMS) and BRIGhTMIND is testing this by offering TBS to some people and rTMS to others.  Everybody taking part in BRIGhTMIND will receive one of the TMS treatments.

So that the Theta-Burst stimulation TMS treatment can be targeted where different brain systems involved in depression meet (the position varies in each person). BRIGhTMIND is using an MRI scan to locate this area with the aim of maximising the number of people who experience benefits from the treatment and the length of the time they remain well. Everyone will receive an MRI scan to ensure  that people taking part in the study do not know which of the two possible TMS treatments they are receiving. 

What are your experiences of depression and why did you consider the TMS treatment?

 “Suffered from depression from when small child. Had two breakdowns. Tried rafts of different medication, with little or no benefit. Side effects of medication have been life changing in a negative way”. 

Prior to having any treatments, what were your initial thoughts about TMS?

“That it was experimental and how could it possibly work”.

In your own words how did the TMS feel?

“Like someone tapping you on the head”.

Having received the TMS treatment, were there any benefits you experienced and if so when did you begin to experience these?

“I had a significant benefit from the treatment (a lift of depression symptoms), it was a few weeks after the end of the four week treatment”.

 Having received the TMS treatments was there anything you disliked about the treatment?

“No, it was life changing and I would have it again in a heartbeat”. Gwyn.

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