TMS with Neuronavigation › Depression
Depression that has not responded to medication can respond to TMS.
Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) activates the brain area that regulates mood, the left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex. No anaesthesia, no hospital stay and none of the side effects of medication, with the target found by Neuronavigation at every session.
The SAINT protocol, Stanford
78.6%
of patients with treatment-resistant depression reached remission after an intensive 5-day programme, compared with 13.3% with placebo stimulation. The result was confirmed in 2026 by a second randomised study from the Stanford team.
The left prefrontal cortex is connected to the deep mood regions of the brain. By stimulating it, TMS helps rebalance the network that slows down in depression.
It does not enter the bloodstream and does not cause weight gain, drowsiness or sexual problems. The most common effects are a mild headache and scalp discomfort.
At ID Therapy, TMS is combined with psychotherapy so that improvement becomes lasting change. All in the same clinic.
What the research shows
From the accelerated protocol developed at Stanford to results from everyday clinics, followed for a year.
90.5%
remission in 5 days
19 of 21 patients with treatment-resistant depression reached remission after 5 days of intensive treatment in the first study of the SAINT protocol.
50%
remission, confirmed in 2026
The Stanford team’s second randomised study, with 48 patients: 50% remission one month after treatment, compared with 20.8% with placebo stimulation.
58%
respond in everyday practice
In 42 everyday clinics, among 307 patients for whom antidepressants had not been enough: 58% responded to treatment and 37% reached remission.
1 year
lasting effect
62.5% of patients who responded to TMS still had their improvement after 12 months of follow-up.
Specific forms of depression
In brief, with Dr Nadia Gorduza
Dr Nadia Gorduza explains why TMS works where medication has not been enough and what you can expect in the first weeks.
The target is the left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex, found by Neuronavigation on a 3D model of your brain or on your MRI.
Theta Burst
~3 minutes per session
The short protocol, as effective as the classic one.
The classic protocol
~20 minutes per session
The most studied protocol for depression.
Recommended course
at least 30 sessions
Usually 5 days a week for 6 weeks or more.
Accelerated programme
10 sessions a day, 5 days
Only on the doctor’s recommendation, after the initial assessment.
The doctor sets the session frequency and the exact protocol after the initial assessment. Reassessment on clinical scales after 10, 20 and 30 sessions.
The protocols we use
We use protocols validated in clinical studies and in the European recommendations for TMS. The doctor chooses the right protocol for you at the initial assessment.
Dr Nadia Gorduza, Academy of Brain Stimulation member 2026, certified Clinical TMS Practitioner · View the certificate
Progress you can measure, not just feel
We carry out the clinical assessment with standardised test batteries at the start of treatment and then after 10, 20 and 30 sessions. You see your progress in numbers, and the doctor adjusts the plan.
Mood
how often you feel sad, unmotivated or hopeless
Anxiety and stress
the restlessness and tension that often come with depression
Sleep and energy
how you sleep and how much energy you have during the day
Everyday life
work, family and the things you enjoy
Ongoing research
The international clinical trials registry (ClinicalTrials.gov) lists 52 ongoing TMS studies in treatment-resistant depression, many not yet published. Here are some of them:
Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard · 160 patients · since 2026
Your own MRI or scalp measurements?
Compares targeting on the brain image with classic targeting in the accelerated protocol, to find out for how many patients an MRI is worthwhile.
UT Southwestern, USA · 247 patients · since 2026
With or without Neuronavigation
The first large study to compare accelerated Theta Burst guided by Neuronavigation directly with accelerated Theta Burst without it.
Magnus Medical, 4 centres in the USA · 192 patients
The SAINT protocol in postpartum depression
The accelerated protocol developed at Stanford, tested for the first time in mothers with postpartum depression.
Region Örebro, Sweden · 350 patients
Right hemisphere or Theta Burst?
Compares the gentle right-hemisphere protocol with Theta Burst, including in patients with bipolar depression.
CAMH Toronto · 280 patients
Depression after 60
Accelerated versus classic Theta Burst in older adults, who often find medication hard to tolerate.
Rennes University Hospital, France · 186 patients
Depression and memory problems
Accelerated Theta Burst, guided by functional imaging, in older adults with depression and cognitive decline.
Launch prices from 250 lei per session, with a discount on larger packages. The package is chosen in the clinic, after the initial assessment.
Yes, TMS can be an option while breastfeeding. It uses no medication and does not enter the bloodstream or breast milk, and studies so far have shown no adverse effects in babies. We make the decision together at the initial assessment.
SAINT is the accelerated protocol developed at Stanford University: 10 short Theta Burst sessions a day for 5 days, with the target set on an image of the brain. At ID Therapy we offer the accelerated programme on the same principle, with the target found by Localite Neuronavigation, only on the doctor’s recommendation after the initial assessment.
In most patients who respond, the improvement lasts: in a study across 42 clinics, 62.5% still had their response after a year. Some patients need occasional maintenance sessions.
No. TMS is usually given in addition to your current treatment. Any change in medication is discussed with your doctor.
Anxiety symptoms often improve together with mood, and the doctor tracks them separately on clinical scales.
The first step is the initial assessment. Tap “Book now!” and choose your time directly on WhatsApp. Bring your medical records, your list of medications and your MRI, if you have one.
3 Aviator Jean Texier Street, 1st floor, apt. 2, Sector 1, Bucharest · Monday–Friday, 10:00–20:00
Results vary from patient to patient. The indication for TMS is set by the doctor after an assessment. Sources: Cole et al., Am J Psychiatry 2020 and 2022 (SAINT) · Kratter et al., World Psychiatry 2026 · Carpenter et al., Depress Anxiety 2012 · Dunner et al., J Clin Psychiatry 2014 · Miuli et al., Psychiatry Res 2023 · Lee et al., BMC Pregnancy Childbirth 2021 · ClinicalTrials.gov, November 2026 · Academy of Brain Stimulation, TMS Protocols 08/2026.
ID Therapy Brain & Longevity Clinic
