Accelerated TMS Shows Promise for Treating Depression in Just 5 Days

UCLA researchers pioneer a new approach that condenses traditional 6-8 week TMS therapy into a single week.

Published on Feb. 25, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Researchers at UCLA Health have developed an accelerated transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) protocol, dubbed '5x5', that delivers 25 TMS treatments over just 5 consecutive days. A recent study found this approach was as effective as the standard 6-8 week TMS regimen in reducing symptoms of treatment-resistant depression, with some patients experiencing significant improvement 2-4 weeks after completing the 5-day treatment.

Why it matters

The 5x5 TMS protocol could provide a faster path to relief for individuals battling depression that doesn't respond to traditional medications. Condensing the treatment timeline from 6-8 weeks to just 5 days may improve accessibility and adherence to this non-invasive therapy.

The details

The 5x5 TMS protocol involves 5 treatment sessions per day for 5 consecutive days, totaling 25 sessions in one week. In a study of 175 patients with treatment-resistant depression, both the 5x5 group and the standard TMS group experienced significant reductions in depressive symptoms, with no statistically significant difference in overall outcomes. Interestingly, many patients in the 5x5 group did not show immediate improvement, but demonstrated substantial improvement 2-4 weeks after completing the accelerated treatment.

  • The 5x5 TMS study was published in the Journal of Affective Disorders in 2026.
  • The accelerated 5-day TMS protocol was developed by researchers at UCLA Health.

The players

UCLA Health

A leading academic medical center and health system in Los Angeles, California.

Michael Apostol

A Ph.D. student at the UCLA Semel Institute for Neuroscience and Human Behavior who was involved in the 5x5 TMS study.

Dr. Andrew Leuchter

The director of the TMS Service at UCLA Health who commented on the delayed response phenomenon observed in the 5x5 TMS study.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“What this study suggests is that we may be able to offer those same patients a path to meaningful relief in less than one week by condensing 25 TMS treatments over just five days.”

— Michael Apostol, Ph.D. Student, UCLA Semel Institute for Neuroscience and Human Behavior

“Some patients need to wait a few days or weeks to notice benefit, and we encourage them not to give up too quickly if they don't feel better right away.”

— Dr. Andrew Leuchter, Director, TMS Service at UCLA Health

What’s next

Researchers emphasize the need for larger, randomized controlled trials to further confirm the findings of the accelerated 5x5 TMS protocol and establish its long-term efficacy.

The takeaway

The accelerated 5x5 TMS approach could revolutionize the treatment of treatment-resistant depression by providing a faster path to relief, potentially improving accessibility and adherence to this non-invasive therapy. However, additional research is needed to solidify the long-term benefits of this condensed treatment timeline.