Treatment
Transcranial magnetic stimulation
Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) is a form of neuromodulation. A non-invasive, non-convulsive method of brain stimulation therapy that has proved effective in the treatment of neurological and mental health conditions such as depression and general anxiety disorder.
overview
Complete privacy. Complete care.
Located within our 13-hectare private estate, La Casita is a secluded two-bedroom residence with its own entrance and gardens. It provides an unparalleled environment for clients who need total anonymity, personalised care, and the reassurance of 24-hour on-site medical support.
Set in northern Ibiza, far from the island’s party scene, La Casita’s tranquil surroundings and natural beauty seep into every part of the recovery journey.
Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation
How does TMS work?
TMS uses a magnetic field to deliver a short-lasting electrical pulse into the brain, where it stimulates neurons (nerve cells). This has been shown to improve communication between different areas of the brain, particularly in the superficial regions of the cerebral cortex.
Repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) is a type of TMS. During the treatment of depression and other neuropsychiatric disorders, the pulses are repeated quickly one after the other, thus gaining the name rTMS. You will find both terms used interchangeably.
Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation
What is TMS used for?
Pioneered in 1985, at the University of Sheffield by Anthony Baker a medical physicist, TMS was developed for the diagnosis of depression. Since its introduction, it has undergone extensive research and clinical trials, and is now recognised as successful in the identification and treatment of several other neurological illnesses and psychiatric disorders.
TMS treatments have been approved by NICE (National Institute for Health and Care Excellence, UK) and the FDA (Food and Drug Administration, USA).
Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation
TMS is now used in varying degrees to detect and treat the following:
→ Various forms of depression, including major depressive disorder, bipolar disorder, and post-partum depression.
→ Substance dependencies, including drugs, alcohol, and nicotine.
→ Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD).
→ Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
→ Generalised anxiety disorder.
→ Schizophrenia.
→ Tourette Syndrome.
Benefits of TMS
It is used for a variety of purposes, including:
Clinical trials supporting the efficacy of TMS treatment
There have been several studies and trials into the efficacy of TMS treatment for
Depression
In a 2012 study, TMS was found to improve depression significantly in 58% of patients and provide complete remission of symptoms in 37% of patients. Studies have found that TMS is particularly effective for treatment-resistant major depressive disorder.
General anxiety disorder
A randomised trial by Dieffenbachia in 2016 showed that TMS gave a significantly higher clinical response and remission rates than the placebo group, and sustained after treatment had ended. Results showed 1 in 3 people recovered from anxiety entirely, and 75% saw clinically significant improvements.
Smart TMS (one of the UK’s leading TMS providers) found in a patient audit that their remission rates (identifying as no longer clinically regarded and anxious) stand at 62%, with 75% of all patients showing a minimum of a 30% improvement in their symptoms.
Cocaine addiction
A 2007 trial (by Camprodon) documented that cocaine cravings reduced temporarily after only two TMS sessions. Politi in 2008 continued the research with similar results; both studies demonstrated the vital role the prefrontal cortex plays in modulating cravings felt by patients with addiction.
Further research (2016) used a medicated control group to be compared with the group receiving TMS treatment. A higher number of cocaine-free urine samples were given in the TMS group, and the average cocaine craving scale score was much lower. Following the completion of the initial trial, the medicated control group were switched to TMS treatment, achieving further positive results.
Alcohol
Alcohol use impairs the ability of the nerves of the brain cells in the left prefrontal cortex to build and reconnect. In 2018/19, a study proved the benefits of using TMS to rewire the brain in alcohol addiction. Further studies have demonstrated that recently detoxed patients have been able to use TMS to reduce cravings, thus reducing the risk of relapse.
PTSD
Studies in 2014 and 2017 both saw a significant improvement in the primary and related symptoms of PTSD following a course of TMS treatment (compared with a placebo group).
A 2018 study revealed that treating PTSD with a combination of TMS and psychological therapy was significantly more effective than therapy alone, and the benefits continued beyond the end of the six-month study.
OCD
A review of 20 separate studies concluded that TMS gave clinically significant improvements in symptoms compared to a placebo treatment. Studies showed that, following a full course of OCD treatment, around 55% of patients saw a significant reduction in their symptoms, with 1 in 3 going into complete remission.
Our treatment programmes
Individual care
This includes an individual deluxe ensuite room. The morning programme activities are compulsory, and some of the afternoon sessions may be optional.
The price is 10,000 euros per week.
Full bespoke care
This includes an individual deluxe ensuite room in either the upper or lower house. All timetable activities are available as optional, plus extra sessions or therapies as required.
The price is 15,000 euros per week.
“La Casita” bespoke
This offers all the treatments services and facilities of the Full Bespoke Programme but also includes exclusive use of “The Casita”.
Price on application
What’s included
A carefully composed programme of care and comfort
From the moment you arrive, you are met by our expert clinical team for a full physical and psychiatric evaluation. Together, we design a tailored programme of care to address both the immediate challenges and the deeper emotional or psychological issues underlying them.
Dedicated care team
A personal team of medical staff available around the clock to provide constant support and reassurance.
Comprehensive health screening
Full assessments including blood work, personalised nutrition planning, and a tailored fitness programme.
Specialised therapies
One-to-one counselling, EMDR, equine-assisted therapy, and transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS), selected according to individual needs.
Complementary practices
Restorative activities such as yoga, Pilates, mindfulness, massage, and spa services to support overall wellbeing.
Nutritional excellence
Time to relax and reflect within our 13-hectare private grounds, surrounded by orchards, gardens, and Mediterranean tranquillity.
Total discretion
The choice to receive therapies privately within La Casita, or to join the intimate community of up to 12 residents in the main house.
Every element of your programme is designed around you —flexible, private, and adaptive to your individual needs.
Clinical
Alternative
Physical
Our approach
Surrounded by the beautiful nature of Ibiza
Ibiza is an idyllic spot to recover. The sun shines on average 300 days of the year, the pristine, turquoise Mediterranean sea surrounds it and has beautiful beaches and evergreen pine forests. The island’s sunny, powerful energy and serene surroundings make it an ideal place for effective and restful residential recovery treatment.
EASY STEPS TO IBIZA CALM
Admission process
step 1
Phone call
A family member or a patient calls, we will explain the time frame, suitability, our costs, and answer any other questions.
step 2
Admission assessment
An initial telephone assessment with the client.
step 3
Set a date
We give each client a date for admission and everyone is greeted by our clinical team on arrival.
You’re not alone on this journey.
The path to recovery starts with a small first step.