rTMS is a newer therapeutic brain stimulation treatment that now has a strong established evidence base in the treatment and management of Major Depression. There is further developing evidence base and ongoing research for utilising rTMS in several other Psychiatric and Medical disorders viz Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder, Pain disorders, PTSD, auditory hallucinations in Schizophrenia.
rTMS is now listed on the Medicare Benefits Schedule ( MBS) for treatment of Major Depressive Disorder .
rTMS is also being utilised in various Australian centres for treatment of Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder, Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, Pain Disorders, Smoking cessation etc.
<b>U.S. Food and Drug Administration cleared TMS for the treatment of depression in adults in 2008, obsessive-compulsive disorder in 2019, smoking cessation in 2020, and comorbid anxiety in major depressive disorder in 2021.</b>
Medicare Funded rTMS Treatments have specific eligibility criteria ( MBS Online)
- You should be at least 18 years of age;
- You have a diagnosis of Major Depressive Episode;
- You have failed to receive satisfactory improvement for the major depressive episode despite the adequate trialling of at least two different classes of antidepressant medications,
- You have also undertaken psychological therapy unless inappropriate; and
- You have not received rTMS treatment previously in either a public or private setting.
Please contact us to determine your eligibility for Medicare subsidised TMS Treatment.
Your GP/Psychiatrist can Fax the referral to 03 7049 4045
Patient Factsheet rTMS : Department of Health
