Brain Treatment Center of Dallas

Dr. Spencer Miller MD

woman with treatment-resistant depression with head in hands

Hope for Treatment-Resistant Depression: rTMS vs Antidepressants

A new study shows that rTMS (a key component of MeRT treatment) is far more effective than antidepressants for treatment-resistant depression.

Treatment-Resistant Depression can feel like a never-ending battle.

You try antidepressant after antidepressant with no relief. You’ve invested your time, energy, and hope, only to feel stuck in a cycle of disappointment.

The despair of wondering if you’ll ever feel like yourself again can be overwhelming. But you’re not alone on this journey. We understand what you may be going through. And there’s hope.

A new study has shown that repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) is far more effective than switching antidepressants for those with treatment-resistant depression.

What is Treatment-Resistant Depression?

Depression, or major depressive disorder (MDD), is considered “treatment-resistant” when at least two different antidepressant medications fail to relieve symptoms.

Typically, depression is treated with a combination of psychotherapy and medication, with selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) being one of the most common first options because of their effectiveness and safety.

While these treatments work for many, over 30% of people with depression don’t experience significant improvement. That makes them treatment-resistant and in need of alternative solutions.

New Study Shows rTMS Effectiveness in Treating Depression

A recent multicenter randomized controlled trial compared the effects of rTMS to switching antidepressant medications in patients who had not responded to at least two prior treatment attempts. The results were striking:

  • Response Rates: 37.5% of patients responded to rTMS, compared to just 14.6% who improved after switching antidepressants.
  • Remission Rates: 27.1% of patients achieved remission with rTMS, while only 4.9% did so with antidepressants.
  • Additional Benefits: rTMS was especially effective at reducing symptoms of anxiety and anhedonia (loss of pleasure), offering a more comprehensive improvement in mental health.

This study offers renewed hope for those who feel they’ve run out of options.

MeRT: The Next Evolution for Treatment-Resistant Depression

While rTMS has proven to be a powerful treatment, MeRT (Magnetic e-Resonance Therapy) takes brain stimulation further.

MeRT is an advanced, EEG-guided form of rTMS that personalizes treatment based on each patient’s unique brainwave activity.

This innovative approach enhances the effectiveness of traditional rTMS, helping more people achieve relief from depression.

Learn more about MeRT

TRICARE May Cover Your Depression Treatment

At the Brain Treatment Center Dallas, we are proud to accept TRICARE insurance for depression treatment with rTMS. If you or a loved one have TRICARE coverage, your treatment may be fully or partially covered, making this innovative therapy more accessible than ever.

We understand the financial concerns many patients face when seeking advanced care, and our team is here to guide you through the insurance process to ensure you get the support you need.

Learn more about TRICARE coverage

A Message of Hope

This study underscores a critical message: treatment-resistant depression is not the end of the road.

Brain stimulation therapies like rTMS—and even more advanced options like MeRT—open the door to new possibilities for healing and recovery.

If you’ve been struggling, there is hope, and help is available. It starts with a free phone consultation with our New Patient Coordinator.

She will take the time to listen and explain. She can answer most questions and discuss our protocols, scheduling, fees, and other information. If you have TRICARE insurance, she can help determine your coverage.

Take the first step toward feeling like yourself again.

Call our New Patient Coordinator

for more information. Or fill out the form below.

214-225-1657

Contact Us

  • If you meet the above criteria, please provide us with more information so that we may contact you.

  • Absolute Contraindications

    Absolute contraindications for cortical MeRT treatment: Pacemaker, Defibrillator, Vagal Nerve Stimulator, VP Shunt/ Magnetic intracranial shunts, Deep Brain Stimulator, Epidural Cortical stimulator, Steel shunts/stents, Cranial metal fragments (i.e. shrapnel, excluding titanium), Cochlear implant, Aneurysm clips, coils, pipelines flow diversion, Pregnant or breastfeeding, Primary brain cancer / metastatic legions in brain (unless palliative care), Magnetic dental implants, Implanted cardio-verter defibrillators (ICD), Ocular implants, Suicide attempts.

  • Relative Contraindications

    Relative contraindications: These require closer protocol attention and may or may not disqualify someone from receiving cortical MeRT treatment, depending on the doctor’s discretion and the person’s individual condition. These include: History of Seizure or seizure disorder, Titanium shunts/stents, Spinal Cord Stimulator, Hearing aids, Ferrous cortical implants, Magnetic ink tattoo, Bipolar Disorder Type I/II, Baha Implant, Suicide ideation.