Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) is a non-invasive treatment option for a variety of conditions including depression, OCD, anxiety, and PTSD. It uses magnetic fields to stimulate the brain’s nerve cells in order to improve symptoms. In many cases, it has shown to be even more effective than medications, but it can also be used in conjunction with pharmaceuticals. The TMS Institute of Arizona is one of the few clinics that offers TMS in the region.
During your treatment, an electromagnetic coil is put on the scalp, close to the forehead. It sticks gently to the skin while delivering magnetic pulses to targeted areas of the brain in charge of mood. TMS works by activating key regions of the brain that may be triggering or worsening a myriad of mental health conditions—and even some kinds of headaches, like migraines. There are different types of TMS treatment regimens, but all take just a few minutes. A series of TMS treatments can yield results that last for several months.
Depression Treatments
In many cases, by the time a patient looks into TMS for depression, they have not enjoyed an effective treatment via medications. However, you do not have to exhaust all other options before trying TMS. TMS therapy is also covered by most major insurance policies. If you are diagnosed with depression, TMS can help by affecting areas of the brain that cause depressive symptoms.
Typically, traditional depression therapy includes medication and mental health services. TMS can be a fantastic addition—or replacement—to these approaches. Make sure to talk to your prescribing physician before stopping or making any changes to current medications. Although TMS works well with other forms of therapy, it is dangerous to make adjustments to prescriptions yourself.
Options for Anxiety
Similar to depression, typical anxiety treatments often include medications and mental health services. Since depression and anxiety are often happening at the same time, they are routinely treated simultaneously. They feed into one another. Anxiety usually presents with excess worry and frustration, which can in turn exacerbate depression. At the same time, anxiety can lead to sleep issues like insomnia, a type of sleep disorder that can also be treated with TMS therapy.
OCD and PTSD are two other common mental health disorders that may be helped with TMS therapy. One study has shown that 45 percent of OCD patients experience a reduction in symptoms just one month after undergoing TMS. PTSD has been shown in one literature review of 20 studies to be an effective form of treatment with results that last for months. When undergoing TMS, your provider is able to pinpoint specific areas of the brain that can trigger or worsen a number of mental health conditions. This “rewires” the brain, “telling” it to reduce or even eliminate symptoms.
A Holistic Approach to Mental Health
TMS therapy is safe, effective, non-invasive, and requires no downtime. There are different types of TMS, but the most popular regimen (and the one covered by most insurance policies) requires just a few minutes per day for no more than two weeks for optimal results. TMS can be used in both teens and adults, and works in conjunction with other therapy methods.
There are also accelerated forms of TMS therapy for those who want to get done with this treatment quickly or are traveling from out of state or abroad for treatment. Accelerated treatments are not covered by insurance, but do make it possible for those from outside the area to get the help that they need in an expedited timeline with equally effectiveness. Depression, anxiety, PTSD, and OCD are just some of the most common issues that TMS can help with—if you are looking for alternative options for other concerns, contact us today to see if TMS might be for you. There are very few contraindications with TMS therapy, making it a suitable solution for most.
We are committed to helping our patients achieve enjoyable, comfortable lives and optimal management of their disorders or conditions. Get in touch today for a consultation and discover if TMS can help you. Call the TMS Institute of Arizona during business hours or, for an even quicker response, simply complete the online contact form right now.
