10|2025

Main Findings from the Data Presented at the 2024 AACAP Annual Conference on NeuroStar® TMS for Adolescents:

1. High Remission and Response Rates:

   – Nearly 60% of adolescents aged 12-19 with Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) achieved remission after treatment with NeuroStar Advanced TMS.

   – The remission rate for young adults aged 20-21 was lower at 36.4%.

2. Study Sample and Methods:

   – The study involved 1,283 patients, with 682 aged 12-19 and 601 aged 20-21. It is the largest sample of adolescents and young adults with MDD to date.

   – Primary outcome measures included the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9) and Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7 (GAD-7), with outcomes analyzed from both a completer sample (1169 patients) and an intent-to-treat sample.

   – Treatment outcomes were measured after at least 20 sessions of TMS.

3. Dose-Response Effects:

   – Results showed a significant dose-response effect, with antidepressant effectiveness improving as the treatment progressed (P < .0001).

   – The most substantial symptom reduction was observed during the first 10 sessions, and no plateau effect was seen before treatment completion.

4. Positive Impact on Both Depression and Anxiety:

   – TMS treatment significantly improved both depressive symptoms and anxiety in adolescents and young adults, marking a dual benefit in this patient group.

5. Adverse Effects:

   – The adverse effects observed during the study were minimal, reinforcing the safety of NeuroStar TMS as a treatment option for this age group.

6. FDA Clearance and First-Line Treatment:

   – NeuroStar is the only FDA-cleared TMS device for treating adolescents aged 15 and older as a first-line adjunct treatment for MDD, either in conjunction with antidepressants or talk therapy.

   – For adolescents aged 15 and older, TMS can be considered as a first-line treatment or when traditional antidepressants have not been effective.

7. Early Intervention:

   – Introducing TMS earlier in cases of persistent depression can lead to better treatment outcomes, highlighting the importance of timely intervention.

8. Practical Benefits for Clinicians:

   – The TrakStar Patient Data Management System helps streamline patient data management, making the treatment process smoother and more efficient for both patients and clinicians.

   – Growing insurance coverage for TMS reflects its increasing acceptance as an effective treatment for both adolescents and adults.

These findings emphasize NeuroStar TMS as an effective, non-invasive treatment option for adolescents and young adults suffering from MDD, offering significant improvements in both depression and anxiety, with minimal side effects. The large, real-world sample data supports TMS as a promising alternative to traditional antidepressant medications for this patient group.

Dr. Fickey, a board-certified psychiatrist, specializes in child, adolescent, and adult psychiatry, and also serves as a forensic psychiatric consultant. She is the founder of Embracing Life Wellness Center.

At Colorado TMS Services, we can help you overcome your depression and get you back on your way to living a happier, more fulfilling life. Call us today for more information at (720) 671-0533 or visit our website.

Categories:: Depression