Can SAINT® Help If Antidepressants Didn't Work?
Yes. SAINT® is FDA-cleared specifically for adults with major depressive disorder who have not achieved satisfactory improvement from prior antidepressant medication in the current episode. In a double-blind, sham-controlled trial, 78.6% of the active group reached remission at four weeks versus 13.3% of the sham group. The study was small (29 analyzed) and from a single site. Individual results vary.
Key takeaways
- SAINT® is FDA-cleared for adults whose depression hasn't improved on antidepressants.
- In a sham-controlled trial, 78.6% of the active group reached remission at 4 weeks.
- SAINT® uses fMRI-guided targeting, not scalp measurements.
- Treatment is delivered over 5 consecutive days, not 6 weeks.
- Individual results vary and no outcome is guaranteed.
How SAINT® Differs From Medication
Antidepressants work through chemical changes in the brain's neurotransmitter systems. SAINT® uses magnetic pulses — intermittent theta burst stimulation — to stimulate a specific brain region chosen from your own functional MRI. It introduces no chemical into the body and does not require anesthesia. SAINT® is FDA-cleared, not FDA-approved (clearance is the regulatory pathway for devices; approval is for drugs).
The Evidence
In the 2022 double-blind, sham-controlled randomized trial (Cole et al., Am J Psychiatry), 78.6% of the active treatment group (11 of 14) reached remission at four weeks compared with 13.3% (2 of 15) of the sham group. The 2020 open-label study reported 90.5% remission among completers, with an average time to remission of 2.6 days. Both studies were small and from a single site. These are trial statistics, not guarantees.
Do You Need Treatment-Resistant Depression for SAINT®?
SAINT® is FDA-cleared for adults whose depression has not improved on antidepressant medication. This overlaps with common definitions of treatment-resistant depression, which typically requires inadequate response to at least two antidepressant trials of adequate dose and duration. The FDA-cleared indication does not specify a minimum number of failed medication trials — a psychiatrist determines whether your treatment history meets the criteria based on your individual circumstances.
Who May Be Eligible
SAINT® is cleared for adults 22 and older with major depressive disorder who have not improved adequately on antidepressant medication. Eligibility also requires MRI safety screening (no ferromagnetic metal in the head, no implanted electronic devices) and screening for seizure history, bipolar disorder, and psychosis. A psychiatric evaluation determines eligibility.
Understanding SAINT® TMS: How It Works & What to Expect
SAINT® is an FDA-cleared treatment for adults with major depressive disorder who have not improved on antidepressants in the current episode. These videos explain how it works and how it differs from conventional TMS.
SAINT® is an FDA-cleared, fMRI-guided form of TMS developed at Stanford. Most patients complete treatment in one week — not the six weeks standard TMS requires.
Follow a real patient through the five-day SAINT® treatment week
Is SAINT® TMS Right for You?
Tried antidepressants without enough relief? SAINT® TMS is an FDA-cleared, fMRI-guided treatment for adults with major depressive disorder who have not improved enough with antidepressant medication.
SAINT® uses a personalized brain target and delivers treatment over five consecutive days. It differs from standard TMS in its targeting approach, treatment schedule, and research background. In a small randomized trial, 11 of 14 people receiving active treatment reached remission at the four-week assessment, compared with 2 of 15 receiving sham treatment. Results vary, and a five-day treatment course does not guarantee remission in five days.
How SAINT® Works and How It Differs From Conventional TMS
SAINT® is an FDA-cleared treatment for adults with major depressive disorder who have not improved on antidepressants in the current episode. This video explains how it works, and how it differs from conventional TMS.
Conventional TMS usually means about 30 visits over 6 to 9 weeks. SAINT is five visits over five days.
What makes it different: SAINT is the only FDA-cleared depression treatment that uses an fMRI scan to personalize the stimulation target to your individual brain. A 45-minute scan maps your brain and identifies the specific circuit linked to depression. Treatment is then delivered as ten 10-minute sessions per day, with 50-minute breaks between them, across five consecutive days.
In clinical trials, 79% of participants reached remission, with an average of 2.6 days to remission. SAINT is generally well tolerated; the most common side effects reported were mild headache and temporary scalp discomfort at the treatment site.
SAINT® at Neuro Wellness TMS Centers of America
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Sources: Cole et al., American Journal of Psychiatry 2020;177:716-726 and 2022;179(2):132-141. magnusmedical.com/depression-therapy. PubMed 34711062. FDA 510(k) K220177.
Insurance coverage for SAINT is currently limited and varies by plan. Individual results may vary. This video is educational and is not medical advice. Talk to a qualified clinician about whether SAINT is appropriate for you. If you are in crisis, call or text 988.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can SAINT help if my antidepressants haven't worked?
SAINT® is FDA-cleared specifically for adults with major depressive disorder who have not achieved satisfactory improvement from prior antidepressant medication in the current episode. In a double-blind, sham-controlled trial, 78.6% of the active group reached remission at four weeks versus 13.3% of the sham group. The study was small (29 analyzed) and from a single site. Individual results vary.
Do I need to have tried multiple antidepressants for SAINT?
The FDA-cleared indication requires that you have not achieved satisfactory improvement from prior antidepressant medication in the current episode. Your psychiatrist reviews your medication history to confirm eligibility. Many SAINT® patients have tried multiple antidepressants, but the specific number is a clinical decision.
Can SAINT work if TMS already failed?
A prior course of standard TMS does not rule out SAINT®. SAINT® uses fMRI-guided targeting and an accelerated schedule that differs from conventional TMS. A meaningful share of SAINT® patients have already tried standard TMS. Bring your records for review.
Cited Research
SAINT® is delivered only by verified providers on the Magnus Medical system. Programs described as SAINT “alternatives”, “equivalents” or “fMRI-guided accelerated TMS” are not SAINT®, are not affiliated with us, and SAINT® results do not apply to them. Read our SAINT® disclaimer.
Have questions about whether TMS may be appropriate for you?
Speak with our clinical team. A free consultation is the best way to get answers specific to your situation.