Throughout the years, technology has produced many medical breakthroughs that have drastically improved the quality of life for patients across the globe. One such innovation that has shown much promise in addressing anxiety and related disorders is TMS therapy.
TMS, or transcranial magnetic stimulation, is a non-invasive treatment that uses magnetic fields to stimulate nerve cells in the brain. TMS therapy has been FDA-approved to treat major depressive disorder, and recent studies have shown that it may also be an effective treatment for anxiety disorders.
Are you interested in this particular treatment? Perhaps you’ve been searching for “TMS doctor near me” and have been curious about how it works. This article will discuss how TMS therapy works for anxiety and what the research says about its efficacy.
Anxiety Defined
According to the American Psychiatric Association, anxiety refers to “anticipation of a future concern and is more associated with muscle tension and avoidance behavior.” It is a normal emotion that everyone experiences at some point in their life.
However, for some people, anxiety can become a chronic and debilitating condition that interferes with their daily life.
Types of Anxiety
There are many different types of anxiety disorders. The most common include:
- Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD): This is characterized by excessive and uncontrollable worry about everyday things. It can be accompanied by physical symptoms such as fatigue, restlessness, muscle tension, and difficulty sleeping.
- Social Anxiety Disorder (SAD): This is marked by intense fear and anxiety in social situations. The SAD sufferer may avoid social situations altogether or endure them with intense distress.
- Panic Disorder: This is characterized by sudden and unexpected panic attacks. These attacks can include physical symptoms such as chest pain, heart palpitations, shortness of breath, and dizziness.
- Phobia: This is an irrational fear of a specific object, place, or situation. This type of anxiety can be so severe that it interferes with the sufferer’s ability to function normally in their everyday life.
These are just a few of the different types of anxiety disorders that TMS therapy can be used to treat. An estimated 40 million adults in the United States suffer from an anxiety disorder, making it one of the most common mental illnesses in the country.
Anxiety disorders can be caused by a variety of factors, including genetics, brain chemistry, and life experiences. Many people with anxiety disorders also have other mental health conditions, such as depression.
While there is no cure for anxiety, there are many effective treatments that can help people manage their symptoms and live a normal, productive life. TMS therapy is one such treatment that is showing promising results for those with anxiety disorders.
What is Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation?
TMS therapy works by sending magnetic pulses to specific areas of the brain that are responsible for regulating mood and emotions. These magnetic pulses interact with the neurons in these areas of the brain and help to normalize their activity.
It is a non-systemic process, meaning that it does not pass through the bloodstream or affect any other parts of the body. TMS therapy is also non-invasive and painless.
A TMS treatment session typically lasts for 30-60 minutes, and most people receive 5-6 sessions per week. The number of sessions required depends on the individual’s condition and response to treatment.
Types of TMS
There are three different types of TMS:
- Single-pulse TMS: This type of TMS uses a single magnetic pulse to stimulate the brain. It is typically used to assess the location and function of specific areas of the brain. It is usually no faster than once every few seconds.
- Paired-pulse TMS: This type of TMS uses two magnetic pulses that are delivered in rapid succession. It is typically used to assess the connections between different brain regions.
- Repetitive TMS (rTMS): This type of TMS uses multiple magnetic pulses that are delivered at a rapid rate, this is usually between 1HZ(inhibitory) and 10 Hz (excitatory). It is the most commonly used type of TMS therapy and has been shown to be the most effective. During a 10Hz, it means that 10 magnetic pulses are administered every second (10 cycles per second).
What Are The Benefits of TMS?
TMS therapy has been shown to be a safe and effective treatment for depression and anxiety. In fact, many people who have not responded to traditional treatments, such as medication and psychotherapy, have found relief from TMS.
Here are some of the benefits that TMS therapy can provide:
TMS is Non-Invasive And Painless
TMS therapy for anxiety does not require any surgery or anesthesia. There is no pain associated with TMS, and the only side effect is a slight buzzing sensation in the head during treatment.
TMS is Non-Systemic
TMS therapy does not pass through the bloodstream or affect any other parts of the body. This means that there are no systemic side effects, such as weight gain or sexual dysfunction, associated with TMS.
TMS is FDA-Cleared
TMS therapy is cleared by the FDA. It is considered to be a safe and effective treatment option.
TMS Does Not Require Anesthesia or Sedation
TMS therapy is done while the patient is awake and alert. This means that there is no risk of anesthesia-related complications, such as respiratory depression or memory loss.
TMS is An Outpatient Procedure
This means that TMS therapy can be done in an outpatient setting, such as a TMS center. This allows patients to continue with their normal activities, such as work and childcare while receiving treatment.
TMS is Covered By Most Insurance Companies
Because it has already been cleared by the FDA for anxiety and depression treatment, most insurance companies provide coverage for TMS therapy.
On top of these benefits, TMS can help with various other conditions, such as:
- Chronic pain – TMS has been shown to be an effective treatment for chronic pain, such as migraines, fibromyalgia, and neck pain.
- PTSD or Post Traumatic Stress Disorder – TMS can help to reduce the symptoms of PTSD, such as flashbacks, nightmares, and anxiety.
- Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) – TMS can help to reduce the symptoms of OCD, such as compulsions and intrusive thoughts.
- Parkinson’s disease – This is a neurological disorder that affects movement. TMS has been shown to improve the symptoms of Parkinson’s disease, such as tremors and rigidity.
- Alzheimer’s disease – Elderly patients with Alzheimer’s disease who receive TMS therapy have shown improvements in their cognitive function.
- Depression – TMS has been shown to be an effective treatment for depression, especially for patients who have not responded to traditional treatments, such as medication and psychotherapy.
- Schizophrenia – TMS can help to reduce the symptoms of schizophrenia, such as delusions and hallucinations.
This is not an exhaustive list, but it gives you an idea of the wide range of conditions that TMS can help with.
TMS Side Effects
Even though TMS is considered to be a safe and effective treatment, there are some potential side effects that you should be aware of.
Most side effects of TMS are mild and go away on their own. The most common side effects include:
- Mild headaches
- Scalp discomfort
- Lightheadedness
- Scalp and neck pain
- Tingling
- Spasms
- Sleepiness
- Altered cognition during treatment
However common side effects like headaches go away after the first few TMS sessions.
There are some rare side effects that have been reported with TMS, such as:
- Seizure (usually grand mal seizure)
- Mania
- Hypomania
- Auditory or visual hallucinations
If you experience any of these rare side effects, you should contact your TMS provider immediately. But the chance of experiencing these side effects is at 0.1%.
How Can You Know if TMS is Not For You?
Are you already looking for “TMS doctor near me”? The more important question would be whether TMS Is right for you. To determine if TMS therapy is for you, you’ll need to first consult your doctor. During this consultation, you will be asked about your medical history and current medications.
Here are some contraindications that may exclude TMS as a treatment option for you:
- History of epilepsy or seizures
- Medical conditions that can increase the risk of having seizures
- Currently taking stimulants
These are just a few contraindications. Additionally, having metal parts in your head can also exclude TMS as a treatment option for you. Here are some examples:
- Deep brain stimulators
- Electrodes
- Neck or brain stents
- Aneurysm clips or coils
- Shrapnel or bullet pieces
- Facial tattoos with metallic ink
- Metal plates
- Cochlear implants
- Permanent piercings
These metal objects can cause TMS to be unsafe for you as the magnetic field can heat up the metal and cause injury.
Cost of TMS
The cost of your TMS treatment will depend on a number of factors, including your insurance and the TMS provider you choose.
Here at Roots Mental Wellness Experience, we provide insurance coverage for TMS sessions. To check if your insurance plan covers TMS, simply fill out our form and you’ll receive a call from our team.
TMS Location
TMS is usually provided in an outpatient setting. This means that you can go home after each TMS session. If you’re not sure how to get started, simply do a Google search for “Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation near me” and it will show you the TMS centers nearest to your location.
Here at Roots Mental Wellness Experience, we have a TMS suite located in our office. The suite is a secluded and private space where you can relax during your TMS sessions.
Change Your Life with Roots TMS
TMS is a promising new treatment that shows great promise for those suffering from anxiety and other mental health conditions. If you’ve been searching for “TMS therapy near me,” you can stop looking as we’re here for you.
Here at Roots Mental Wellness Experience, we can give you the chance to live a life free from the symptoms of mental illness. We understand how difficult it is to live with mental illness, and we are here to provide the assistance and care you need.
To schedule an appointment with our psychiatrist in Los Angeles, you may contact us at (562) 561-2455 or fill out our contact form to get started.