It’s common for veterans to experience conditions like PTSD and depression as they face the mental and emotional challenges of military service. Traditional treatments don’t always offer relief, which is why many are turning to TMS for veterans as a new avenue for support. This non-invasive therapy reduces symptoms by stimulating specific areas of the brain and offers new hope for those struggling with these mental health challenges.
What is Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS)?
Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) is a non-invasive procedure that uses magnetic fields to stimulate specific areas of the brain. It is FDA-approved to treat conditions like major depressive disorder (MDD) when other treatments like medication or therapy have not worked.
During a TMS session, an electromagnetic coil is placed against the scalp near the forehead. The coil generates brief magnetic pulses that target the brain’s mood-regulating areas. These pulses create electrical currents that help to improve the communication between neurons, potentially alleviating symptoms of depression. The magnetic field produced during TMS can influence the brain’s electrically active neurons, thus modulating brain activity in specific regions associated with emotions and decision-making.
The magnet used in TMS is much stronger than common household magnets, and it is designed to switch on and off rapidly. This alternating magnetic field helps control when the magnetic influence occurs, allowing the pusles to reach the necessary areas in the brain.
TMS is considered a well-tolerated treatment with minimal side effects. It doesn’t require anesthesia, and patients can go about their day immediately following each session.
When TMS is Considered for Treatment
TMS is often used when other treatments have not been effective. It may be considered when:
- You have been diagnosed with major depressive disorder or another condition like PTSD that hasn’t responded well to standard treatments.
- Medications haven’t worked for you, even after trying multiple options or increasing dosages.
- You’re unable to tolerate medication side effects, such as weight gain, fatigue, or sexual dysfunction.
- You want a non-invasive treatment option that doesn’t require anesthesia or significant recovery time.
- You’re looking for complementary therapy to strengthen the effects of other treatments, like medication or psychotherapy.
What is Major Depressive Disorder (MDD)?
Major depressive disorder is a serious mental health condition that is defined by persistent feelings of sadness or hopelessness. Common symptoms include:
- Persistent low mood or lack of interest in activities
- Feelings of guilt or worthlessness
- Decreased energy or fatigue
- Difficulty concentrating
- Changes in appetite
- Sleep disturbances
- Psychomotor agitation or slowing
- Thoughts of suicide
MDD is a big concern for both civilians, military personnel, and veterans. Among active military and veterans, rates of depression are higher, with around 23% of active military and 20% of veterans experiencing depression. Additionally, suicidal ideation and attempts are common, especially in those with substance use disorders or medical conditions like HIV/AIDS.
PTSD in Veterans
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) can develop after experiencing or witnessing a traumatic event. It’s highly prevalent among military members due to exposure to combat, life-threatening situations, or severe accidents. To diagnose PTSD, symptoms must last for at least one month and fall into four categories:
- Re-experiencing symptoms which can include flashbacks, distressing memories or dreams, and physical symptoms like a racing heart.
- Avoidance symptoms such as avoiding reminders of the trauma and avoiding distressing thoughts.
- Arousal and reactivity symptoms, including feeling on edge, difficulty sleeping, irritability, and risky behavior.
- Cognition and mood symptoms like negative self-view, ongoing negative emotions, and loss of interest in activities.
PTSD affects many veterans, with around 10% of male veterans and 19% of female veterans diagnosed. This condition is often caused by combat experiences, but training accidents and other military-related events can also contribute to its development.
Does the VA Offer TMS?
Yes, the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) does offer TMS therapy as part of its mental health treatment services for veterans. Although not yet available at all VA locations, TMS is offered at select facilities, including:
- Providence VA Medical Center in Rhode Island
- VA Philadelphia Health Care
- VA Montana Health Care
Does Tricare Cover TMS?
Yes, Tricare does cover TMS on an outpatient basis. Coverage is provided for those diagnosed with MDD or PTSD who have not seen improvement with antidepressant medications. The approval process usually requires a history of failed medication trials or the inability to tolerate medication side effects.
TMS Benefits for Veterans
TMS provides several benefits for veterans who are dealing with MDD and PTSD. Research involving 770 veterans who received TMS sessions showed statistically significant reductions in both MDD and PTSD symptoms. Among the 340 veterans who completed the course of treatment, the response rate for MDD was 41.4% and 20% achieved remission. For veterans with comorbid PTSD, 65.3% saw a substantial improvement in symptoms and 46.1% no longer met the diagnostic criteria for PTSD.
Additional benefits of TMS for veterans include:
- Non-invasive, which avoids surgical risks
- Minimal side effects, primarily mild headache or scalp discomfort
- Quick recovery time, allowing for immediate return to everyday activities
- Coverage through Tricare, making it more accessible
- Outpatient procedure that doesn’t require hospitalization
How Can TMS Help Military Dependents?
Not only can the military affect the mental health of its veterans, but it can also affect the mental health of dependents, including spouses and children. Frequent locations, extended separations from loved ones, and ongoing concern for their family member’s safety can take a toll on their mental health. A 2021 survey revealed that within the last seven days, 53% of active-duty spouses reported feeling nervous, anxious, or on edge, while 38% felt down, depressed, or hopeless.
Fortunately, Tricare provides coverage for active duty service members, their families, National Guard and Reserve members, retirees, survivors, and certain former spouses worldwide.
Combat PTSD and Depression With TMS
For veterans and their families, facing the challenges of PTSD and MDD can be tough. TMS for veterans is a non-invasive and effective option that has shown promising results in reducing symptoms where traditional treatments may have fallen short. Contact a TMS provider today to discuss how this treatment could help combat PTSD, depression, and related conditions.
Sources:
- Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) – Cleveland Clinic
- Major Depressive Disorder – StatPearls
- The global prevalence of depression, suicide ideation, and attempts in the military forces: a systematic review and Meta-analysis of cross sectional studies – BMC Psychiatry
- Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder – National Institute of Mental Health
- How Common is PTSD in Veterans? – U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs
- Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation – Tricare
- Prefrontal transcranial magnetic stimulation for depression in US military veterans – A naturalistic cohort study in the veterans health administration – Journal of Affective Disorders
- Active Duty Spouse Well-Being 2021 Survey of Active-Duty Spouses – Military OneSource
- Tricare 101 – Tricare
