“The Most Impressive Therapy I’ve Ever Tried” — Tim Ferriss On Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation

Summary

In this engaging discussion, the speaker shares their transformative experience with accelerated transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS), a cutting-edge mental health intervention. They delve into the technology's potential for treating conditions like OCD, depression, and anxiety, emphasizing its high efficacy and durability. The conversation highlights the importance of proper clinical application, the risks of DIY approaches, and the exciting prospects of TMS for performance enhancement and broader therapeutic use.

Takeaways

• 🧠 The speaker has experienced a significant and durable change in their mental state after trying a new mental health intervention.
• 💡 They are excited about the advancements in Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS), which has seen rapid progress in protocols and targeting.
• ⚠️ The speaker strongly advises against DIY TMS due to the risk of skin burns and worsening mental health conditions if done incorrectly.
• 🛑 There are subreddits and online resources for DIY TMS, but the speaker emphasizes the importance of professional administration to avoid harm.
• 🌟 The speaker underwent 'accelerated TMS', a condensed protocol developed by scientists like Nolan Williams from Stanford, which has shown promising results.
• 🧲 TMS involves using magnetic fields to stimulate the brain, with different technologies like helmets or paddles being used for treatment.
• 🚫 The speaker's experience with TMS has led to a significant reduction in their OCD, anxiety, and depression symptoms, to the point of no longer meeting diagnostic criteria.
• 💤 TMS has also helped with the speaker's lifelong insomnia, improving their sleep quality drastically.
• 🔍 While TMS is showing positive results, the speaker acknowledges that sample sizes are still small and there's much to learn about its long-term effects.
• 💰 The cost of accelerated TMS is currently high, ranging from $5,000 to $15,000 for a 5-day treatment, and is not typically covered by insurance.
• 🚀 The speaker believes TMS could be used for cognitive enhancement and performance improvement in various fields, including sports.

Q & A

What is the most significant change the speaker has experienced in their mental state?

The speaker has experienced the most durable and noticeable change in their mental state on a day-to-day and week-to-week basis after undergoing a mental health intervention involving accelerated TMS (Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation).

What is the speaker's view on psychedelic compounds and therapies?

The speaker believes that psychedelic compounds and therapies can significantly change the way we perceive psychiatry and mental health due to their potential effects on complex PTSD, treatment-resistant depression, and their large effect sizes.

What does the speaker mean by 'tool agnostic' in the context of mental health interventions?

Being 'tool agnostic' means that the speaker is open to various methods and technologies for mental health interventions, focusing on their effectiveness rather than being attached to a specific tool or approach.

What is TMS and how has its application advanced recently?

TMS, or Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation, is a type of brain stimulation that has existed for decades. However, recent advancements in protocols and neuro-targeting have made it more effective, with new iterations allowing for condensed treatment protocols.

Why does the speaker warn against DIY TMS?

The speaker warns against DIY TMS because it can be dangerous if not done correctly, potentially causing burns or worsening conditions. It requires proper knowledge and equipment to ensure safety and effectiveness.

What is the 'saint protocol' mentioned by the speaker?

The 'saint protocol' is a condensed protocol for administering TMS developed by scientists including Nolan Williams from Stanford. It compresses typically lengthy TMS treatments into a shorter period, such as 50 sessions into five days.

What was the speaker's experience with accelerated TMS and its impact on their mental health?

The speaker underwent two rounds of accelerated TMS and reported a significant improvement in their mental health, noting that after three months, they no longer met any diagnostic criteria for OCD, anxiety, or depression.

How did accelerated TMS affect the speaker's sleep?

The speaker, who had lifelong insomnia, reported that after the accelerated TMS sessions, their insomnia effectively disappeared, resulting in the best sleep they've had in decades.

What are some potential side effects or risks associated with TMS?

While TMS is generally well-tolerated, it can, in rare cases, trigger seizures. There is also the risk of worsening conditions if not administered correctly, and it may have unintended effects on other aspects of mental health.

What does the speaker suggest about the future of TMS in terms of accessibility and application?

The speaker suggests that TMS will become more widely available and accessible within the next 6 months to 12 months, and may be used for performance enhancement in various fields, including sports.

What advice does the speaker give regarding choosing a TMS provider?

The speaker advises looking for providers with real clinical experience, those working with established hospitals, and having a good reputation. They warn against 'fly by night' operations and emphasize the importance of proper due diligence.