Do you suffer from anxiety?
Anxiety can be debilitating, making it difficult to go about your day-to-day life. If you’re looking for relief, Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) therapy may be the answer.
TMS therapy is a non-invasive treatment for depression, anxiety, and other mental health conditions that has been used since the 1980s.
It uses magnetic pulses to stimulate regions in the brain thought to be involved in mood regulation. You might be thinking, “magnetic pulses? In my brain?” Don’t worry! It’s safe and painless.
Let’s take a closer look at how TMS works for anxiety and the pros and cons of this treatment option.
What Are Some Causes Of Anxiety?
Chances are – if you suffer from some sort of daily anxiety you may not even know where it’s coming from.
It’s important to understand the root cause of your anxiety if you want to find relief from it. Let’s explore some possible causes of anxiety and how they might be impacting your life.
Your Genetics:
Many people who suffer from anxiety have a family history of mental illness.
This means that the predisposition for anxiety is inherited genetically, and this can play a role in how severe your symptoms are.
If you have a parent or close relative who suffers from depression or another form of mental illness, there is a greater likelihood that you will experience anxiety as well.
Life Events:
Stressful situations such as death or divorce can often trigger feelings of anxiety and panic attacks.
These events can be difficult to deal with and may cause people to feel overwhelmed by their emotions and lack of control over the situation.
Even if the event has passed, the feeling of helplessness may linger on, leading to ongoing feelings of anxiousness.Â
Medical Conditions:
Certain medical conditions can also cause increased levels of stress and anxiety in individuals.
For example, thyroid issues can lead to feelings of fatigue and irritability which can create an anxious state in many people.
Additionally, certain medications such as those used for allergies, ADHD, or asthma can also contribute to feelings of anxiousness due to their side effects on the body’s chemistry.Â
Does TMS Therapy Work For Anxiety?
Now, you might be wondering, “Is TMS good for anxiety?”
Yes! Studies have shown that TMS therapy has been effective in treating symptoms of depression and anxiety in many patients who have not responded positively to traditional forms of therapy or medication treatments.
In fact, research has even shown that some patients have experienced significant improvement in their symptoms after just one session!
Additionally, there are very few side effects associated with this form of treatment which makes it a safe and viable option for those looking for relief from their mental health issues without having to rely on medications or other invasive treatments.Â
How Does TMS Work?
During the treatment session, you will sit in a comfortable chair while an experienced clinician operates the TMS machine.
A series of pulses are sent through your head during each session. These pulses can range from gentle to strong depending on how well you tolerate them.
Generally speaking, most people find that their sessions last anywhere from 10 minutes to 45 minutes per day depending on how severe their anxiety symptoms are.
The entire course of treatment typically lasts 6 to 8 weeks but may vary depending on your unique circumstances and response to therapy.
What Are The Pros and Cons Of TMS Therapy?
The primary benefit of using TMS therapy for anxiety is that it is non-invasive and does not require taking medication or undergoing surgery. This means many people are able to go about their normal schedule shortly after the procedure!
Additionally, because it targets the brain directly, there are fewer side effects than with medications and surgeries.
However, some people have experienced headaches or mild discomfort during treatment sessions.
Also, while research suggests that TMS therapy can be an effective treatment option for those suffering from anxiety, more studies need to be done in order to better understand its long-term effects.
How Long Does TMS Treatment Last?
No two people’s experiences with anxiety are the same, and that includes their paths to overcoming it! Treatment plans will differ from person to person – so remember, you’re never alone in your journey.
How Long it Takes to Notice Results:
The amount of time it takes to notice results varies from patient to patient.
Generally speaking, most people experience some sort of improvement after one week of treatment, with more significant results occurring within the first two months of treatment.
However, some people don’t notice any change until after the fourth week of treatment or later. It all depends on your individual situation and sensitivity level to the treatments.Â
Maintenance Treatments:
Even though TMS can provide long-term relief from mental health issues, some people need maintenance treatments every few months or so in order to maintain their results and keep their symptoms at bay.
Maintenance treatments involve fewer sessions than during your initial course—typically around five sessions per month—but they are important for helping you stay symptom-free in the long run.Â
Overall:
TMS therapy has become an increasingly popular option for treating anxiety over the years due to its non-invasive nature and potential effectiveness in reducing symptoms significantly in many patients.
While there are slight potential risks and costs associated with this form of treatment, many people find that these risks are outweighed by the potential benefits they gain from TMS therapy.
If you’re looking for relief from your anxiety symptoms but don’t want to pursue medication or surgery options, then consider reaching out to us here at Gemini Health to discuss whether TMS might be right for you!
Sources:
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5612370/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6576151/