Living with anxiety can feel like a constant uphill battle that you can’t conquer, especially when traditional treatments don’t bring the relief you need. Fortunately, there may be other options to treat your anxiety, like transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS). TMS for anxiety is a non-invasive therapy that directly targets the brain to reduce symptoms. Let’s take a closer look at how it works and what you can expect during treatment.
Anxiety is commonly treated with therapy, medication, or a combination of the two. Therapy helps patients discover the underlying causes of their anxiety and teaches them practical coping skills. On the other hand, medication can help regulate the brain’s chemical imbalances that may contribute to anxiety symptoms.
Psychotherapy is a structured treatment method that helps people understand their triggers and build tools to manage them. Different therapies work for different people, depending on their needs and goals. Here are some common ones:
When therapy alone is not enough for managing anxiety symptoms, doctors may prescribe medication. There are several types of medications that are used in treating anxiety, including ones specifically for anxiety and ones that are used off-label. Here are some commonly prescribed options:
Anxiety disorders, like generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), affect millions of people in the United States each year. While therapy and medication work for some people, these methods don’t work for everyone. This has led researchers and healthcare providers to explore other options, including TMS.
TMS works by targeting the brain’s activity without the use of medications. By applying magnetic pulses to specific areas of the brain that are associated with mood and anxiety, TMS rewires the brain’s circuits and helps to reduce symptoms. For those with treatment-resistant anxiety, TMS offers hope as a safe and non-invasive alternative.
Research shows promising results for TMS as a treatment for anxiety. While the technology was initially developed for treating depression, studies show its potential to reduce anxiety symptoms. Here’s what recent research has uncovered:
While there’s no evidence that TMS can make anxiety worse, some people may still experience mild and temporary side effects during or after treatment. Per a recent study, here are some of the most common TMS side effects that were reported:
Most of these effects go away quickly, and patients will be able to resume their normal day-to-day activities right after their treatment session.
TMS is not FDA-approved specifically to treat anxiety disorders on their own; however it has been approved to treat anxiety symptoms when they occur alongside major depressive disorder (MDD). That being said, some providers may offer TMS as an off-label treatment for anxiety, especially for individuals who haven’t found relief with traditional anxiety treatments. Research is ongoing to explore its full potential in treating anxiety.
TMS therapy is an outpatient procedure that doesn’t require anesthesia or sedation. Patients remain fully awake and comfortable throughout the session as they are seated in a reclined position. Here’s what you can expect:
Studies have shown the number of sessions can range from 6 to 36 for patients with GAD, depending on the severity of symptoms. Most studies report significant improvements in anxiety symptoms after 20 to 30 sessions, and follow-up assessments show sustained benefits long after the treatment period.
The timelines for seeing results from TMS therapy can vary. While some people may notice positive changes early on in their treatment, others might need the full course before they notice a difference. Research has shown that during the first two weeks, a noticeable decrease in Hamilton Anxiety Rating Scale (HAM-A) scores was observed for both the TMS group and the placebo group. However, the psychic subscale (symptoms like worry and fear) showed considerable improvement in the TMS group.
By the end of four weeks, total HAM-A scores continued to drop with greater reductions seen in the TMS group. At this stage, 63% of patients responded to TMS therapy, and 42% saw a remission in depressive and anxiety symptoms.
If you haven’t seen improvement in your anxiety symptoms from traditional treatments, TMS therapy could be another potential option to explore. Based on ongoing research, TMS has successfully been proven to reduce anxiety symptoms and offers hope to those with treatment-resistant anxiety.
At Cura Behavioral Health, we provide expert care and guidance to help you determine if TMS is right for you. Contact us today to schedule a consultation and take control of your anxiety once and for all.
Determining if TMS therapy suits your mental health journey should involve consultation with a qualified professional. At Cura Behavioral Health, we provide comprehensive assessments to help you make informed treatment decisions.
Don’t let a mental health condition hold you back any longer. Schedule a consultation with Cura Behavioral Health today. Our experienced team is ready to answer your questions and create a personalized treatment plan tailored to your unique needs.
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Dr. Kevin Simonson, an esteemed Medical Director at Cura Behavioral Health, brings over 15 years of experience in psychiatry. A graduate from a top medical school, he specializes in the treatment of mood disorders and anxiety, employing a patient-centered approach. His dedication to evidence-based care and his commitment to advancing mental health practices have made him a respected figure in the field. Dr. Simonson’s leadership ensures the highest standard of care for the community at Cura Behavioral Health.
