Introducing the SAINT Protocol: A Revolutionary TMS Treatment Option
Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) has long been a trusted treatment for depression, typically delivered over a six-week course of daily sessions. Now, thanks to groundbreaking research from Stanford, a new, accelerated approach—the SAINT (Stanford Accelerated Intelligent Neuromodulation Technique) protocol—is emerging as a promising alternative for patients seeking rapid relief.
What Is the SAINT Protocol?
Unlike conventional TMS, which generally involves one 20-minute session per day for six weeks, the SAINT protocol compresses the treatment into a single week. Patients receive 10 sessions a day—each lasting about 10 minutes—over five consecutive days, with brief breaks in between. This approach is designed to deliver a full course of treatment (50 sessions in total) in a fraction of the time.
The SAINT protocol employs intermittent theta burst stimulation (iTBS) and in research settings leverages advanced brain-imaging techniques—such as resting functional connectivity MRI—to precisely target the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC), the key region associated with mood regulation. This precision targeting may enhance the treatment’s overall effectiveness and speed of response.
The SAINT protocol employs intermittent theta burst stimulation (iTBS) and in research settings leverages advanced brain-imaging techniques—such as resting functional connectivity MRI—to precisely target the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC), the key region associated with mood regulation. This precision targeting may enhance the treatment’s overall effectiveness and speed of response.
The Benefits of Accelerated TMS
Recent studies have highlighted the remarkable potential of the SAINT protocol:
- Rapid Response: In one study involving patients who had not responded to conventional TMS, nearly 90% experienced remission of depressive symptoms within just 3-5 days. Another study reported that 79% of TMS-naïve patients achieved remission quickly, with a significant proportion maintaining improvements at follow-up.
- Efficiency: By condensing the treatment schedule into one week, the SAINT protocol provides a viable option for individuals who are unable to commit to several weeks of daily appointments.
- Safety and Tolerability: As with traditional TMS, the SAINT protocol is generally well tolerated. Reported side effects include mild fatigue and some discomfort at the stimulation site or in the facial muscles during treatment. Importantly, no negative cognitive side effects have been observed—in fact, some patients even showed improved mental flexibility.
What Does This Mean for You?
The SAINT protocol (called Accelerated TMS when performed without functional connectivity MRI guidance) represents a significant evolution in neuromodulation therapy for depression. Its rapid antidepressant effects offer new hope, particularly for those who need quick symptom relief or have found little success with conventional treatments. While further research is ongoing to assess long-term durability, early results are very promising.
In September 2022, the FDA cleared the SAINT Neuromodulation System for the treatment of depression, underscoring its potential as a safe and effective option for patients. Although the official protocol requires specialized neuronavigation via functional MRI, many of its key components—such as high-frequency iTBS dosing and a dense treatment schedule—can be implemented using standard brain mapping techniques.
In September 2022, the FDA cleared the SAINT Neuromodulation System for the treatment of depression, underscoring its potential as a safe and effective option for patients. Although the official protocol requires specialized neuronavigation via functional MRI, many of its key components—such as high-frequency iTBS dosing and a dense treatment schedule—can be implemented using standard brain mapping techniques.
Read more about the SAINT protocol here:
- SAINT Protocol Study – April 2020: “Accelerated TMS for Treatment-Resistant Depression: The SAINT Protocol.” Published in the American Journal of Psychiatry. Access the study at: American Journal of Psychiatry
- SAINT Protocol Follow-Up Study – October 2021:
“Rapid Remission in TMS-Naïve Patients Using the SAINT Protocol.” Published in the American Journal of Psychiatry. Read more at: American Journal of Psychiatry
Now Available at Casey Mental Health Collaborative!
We are excited to announce that Casey Mental Health Collaborative will offer an accelerated TMS protocol (50 targeted iTBS treatments over 5 days time) as part of our TMS treatment options. Our team is dedicated to bringing innovative and effective therapies to our patients, and we are here to help you explore whether this accelerated treatment could be right for you. This intensive treatment requires an Evaluation visit with Dr. Casey, and must be requested and scheduled especially for you!
If you are interested in learning more about this accelerated TMS protocol or scheduling an evaluation, please click here to complete a screening questionnaire on depression severity (we will contact you back!) or call our office today at 844-345-2256.
Let us help you take a bold step toward a brighter, depression-free future!
If you are interested in learning more about this accelerated TMS protocol or scheduling an evaluation, please click here to complete a screening questionnaire on depression severity (we will contact you back!) or call our office today at 844-345-2256.
Let us help you take a bold step toward a brighter, depression-free future!
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