Theta Burst Stimulation (TBS) is a non-invasive treatment method applied by delivering magnetic impulses to the brain. In psychiatry, particularly in the treatment of depression, it can be used as a supportive treatment option following an evaluation by a specialist in psychiatry.
In this method, through short-term magnetic pulses delivered via a special application apparatus placed on the head region, it is aimed to support the functions of the brain regions that play a role in the regulation of mood. TBS is applied with a special stimulation pattern based on the natural working rhythms of the brain.
During the application, no surgical procedure is performed, no anesthesia is needed, and the patient is awake throughout the procedure. Sessions generally last a short time, and the person can continue his daily life after the application.
Theta Burst Stimulation may not be suitable for every patient. Therefore, the planning and application of the treatment are strictly carried out within the framework of physician evaluation and clinical suitability.
What is the Purpose of Theta Burst Stimulation in Psychiatry?
In psychiatry, Theta Burst Stimulation (TBS) can be considered, especially in the treatment of depression, in cases where an adequate response cannot be obtained from existing treatments or when it is deemed appropriate to evaluate different treatment options.
TBS may come to the agenda in the following situations after an evaluation made by a psychiatry specialist:
- In cases of depression where sufficient benefit cannot be seen from drug treatments,
- In cases where treatment options are re-evaluated due to side effects related to drug use,
- In patients for whom brain stimulation methods are deemed appropriate as a supportive measure within the psychiatric treatment plan.
The aim of this method is to contribute to the regulation of mood-related brain functions and to support the person's daily life functionality.
Theta Burst Stimulation is evaluated not as a single treatment method by itself, but as part of a holistic treatment plan together with other psychiatric approaches such as drug treatments and psychotherapy. Which patients it will be applied to and how the treatment process will be planned are strictly decided by a psychiatry specialist.
Psychiatric Areas of Use of Theta Burst Stimulation
Scientific studies and clinical applications show that the Theta Burst Stimulation (TBS) method is investigated not only in depression but also in different psychiatric and neuropsychiatric conditions.
In psychiatry, TBS can be considered as a supportive approach in the following situations after an evaluation made by a psychiatry specialist:
- Major depression and treatment-resistant depression
- Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)
- Negative symptoms in schizophrenia
- Auditory hallucinations
- Tinnitus (ringing in the ears)
- Nicotine and certain substance use disorders
- Specific symptoms in autism spectrum disorder
The use of Theta Burst Stimulation in some of these areas is still at the stage of scientific research and clinical observation. Which patients the application will be suitable for and how it will be planned are decided strictly after an evaluation made by a psychiatry specialist.
How is Theta Burst Stimulation Applied?
Theta Burst Stimulation (TBS) application is performed with magnetic pulses carried out via a special application apparatus placed on the head region. The pulses are applied in a pattern similar to the natural working rhythms of the brain and for a short duration.
The treatment process generally proceeds as follows:
- Sessions generally last a few minutes.
- The patient is awake during the procedure.
- No anesthesia is applied and hospitalization is not required.
- After the session, the person can continue his daily life.
Before the application, the patient's medical condition and psychiatric history are evaluated in detail. Whether TBS is suitable is decided as a result of this evaluation made by a psychiatry specialist.
Throughout the treatment process, the patient is monitored regularly, and the treatment plan can be re-evaluated when deemed necessary.
What Are the Types of Theta Burst Stimulation?
There are two main TBS methods in clinical application:
Intermittent Theta Burst Stimulation (iTBS)
- May show an effect in the direction of increasing brain activity.
- Has been researched more frequently in psychiatry, especially in the field of depression.
Continuous Theta Burst Stimulation (cTBS)
- May show an effect in the direction of suppressing brain activity.
- Can be preferred by the physician according to the clinical goal.
Which method will be applied is decided as a result of the patient's clinical condition and the evaluation of the psychiatry specialist.
How Long Does Theta Burst Stimulation Take to Apply?
One of the prominent features of Theta Burst Stimulation (TBS) is that the application duration is relatively short. Sessions are generally completed within a short time, depending on the method used and the planned treatment protocol.
Compared to some standard brain stimulation methods, the shorter duration of the session can facilitate time management for patients and increase the adaptation of the treatment process to daily life.
The total duration of the treatment, the number of sessions, and the frequency of application are planned specifically for the person according to the patient's clinical condition, response to treatment, and the evaluation of the psychiatry specialist. Therefore, the treatment process may vary in every patient.
Is Theta Burst Stimulation Safe?
According to scientific studies, TBS is among the methods that do not require surgical intervention to the brain and is considered safe.
The most frequently reported side effects:
- Mild headache
- Temporary feeling of fatigue
As in every medical application, it should not be forgotten that TBS may not be suitable for everyone. Therefore, the decision of application must be given by a physician.
For Whom May Theta Burst Stimulation Not Be Suitable?
- Individuals with a history of epilepsy
- Those with metal implants in their brains
- Individuals with certain neurological diseases
In these cases, a detailed evaluation must be performed before the application.
Theta Burst Stimulation at NPİSTANBUL Hospital
At NPİSTANBUL Hospital, Theta Burst Stimulation (TBS) applications are planned after the detailed evaluation of psychiatry specialists. Before starting the treatment, the patient's psychiatric history, current treatments, and clinical condition are handled comprehensively.
TBS applications are evaluated within a multidisciplinary approach, together with other psychiatric approaches such as the drug treatments and psychotherapy that the patient is currently maintaining. The aim is to conduct the treatment process within the framework of a personalized and holistic plan.
Throughout the treatment process, patients are monitored regularly, and the treatment plan can be reviewed according to clinical requirements. The suitability and continuation of the application are determined at every stage in line with the physician's evaluation.
