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TMS for Post Traumatic Stress Disorder
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a severe form of anxiety in response to a threatening (possibly life-threatening) situation or occurrence. PTSD manifests as a tendency to avoid places, situations, or events that may remind them of the traumatic experience and significantly impair the person’s ability to function normally.
Many people, in general, associate PTSD with Veterans. However, the incidence of PTSD is actually higher in women than men, and is most prevalent among young adults, as they are most likely to encounter traumatic events, although it does occur in children and adolescents as well. Historically, the traumatic events differ between genders, and the literature tells us that men primarily develop the disorder following combat exposure, whereas women develop it in responses to physical or sexual assault.
Incidence of PTSD
Today, the majority of people develop PTSD as a result of a motor vehicle or work-related accident. However, the incidence of PTSD is higher among war Veterans. In addition to Veterans of war, it is not unique to this population, PTSD is also commonly diagnosed after exposure to rape, child abuse, terrorist attacks, or any event involving a threat to human life. However, most people who experience such horrible events do not sustain prolonged episodes of a post-traumatic response.
Diagnosis of PTSD
The diagnosis of PTSD is formulated based on a number of symptoms and factors. Further, the chances of developing PTSD after a traumatic event are significantly influenced by the amount of support received after a traumatic event, the care received immediately following the event and the person’s perception of the environment’s attitude toward the event. Each of these things can influence the level of severity of PTSD and the person’s ability to overcome trauma.[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]
Conventional Treatments
For years, the primary treatment for PTSD involved a combination of antidepressant medications for the depression symptoms and antianxiety medications for the anxiety that often accompanies PTSD symptoms. However, medications rarely provide relief from other debilitating symptoms, such as flashbacks, intrusive thoughts, and other symptoms. Most generally, medications are recommended in combination with certain types of therapies, such as, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), which involves exposure to traumatic memories.
Functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging
Functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) studies have shown that extreme traumatic events. And can elicit significant changes in neural activity patterns in various brain areas. Eye movement desensitization reprocessing (EMDR) is another form of treatment often used. This method of treatment, which is controversial, combines rapid eye movements with a reconstruction of the traumatic event. While this method of treatment has proven effective in some cases, it is expensive, intense, and it must be specifically tailored to each patient. Unfortunately, it also has a high drop-out rate.
Many patients with PTSD do not respond to conventional treatments. That means they have tried all of the standard forms of treatment, but they have been ineffective.[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]
Newer Alternative Forms of Treatment
TMS for Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) can be a highly effective treatment option. Research indicates that TMS therapy offers hope for a more promising and effective treatment for those who continue to suffer symptoms and who have not responded to other forms of treatment.
Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) is not a cure for PTSD; however, it can significantly reduce the intensity of symptoms and make life more manageable on a day-to-day basis. Thus, allowing the patient to live a more normal lifestyle and optimal level of functioning.[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]
PTSD Research
A study published in the journal, Biological Psychiatry, looked at TMS therapy for the treatment of PTSD patients. With both major depressive disorder and PTSD, as these conditions often occur together. TMS was used to treat the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC), and patients received about 36 sessions over the course of several weeks.
The results show that one-third of patients experienced significant improvements in their symptoms. This is a lower response rate than for either condition alone, but this is understandable, given the greater severity of the illness. The researchers said the positive response is due to increased connectivity between the prefrontal cortex and the amygdala.
One double-blind, controlled study published in the American Journal of Psychiatry found that TMS therapy offered relief to patients with PTSD. In separate research with war veterans, 70% of participants no longer met the criteria for PTSD after TMS treatment sessions.
TMS for Post Traumatic Stress Disorder
A review of clinical research on TMS for PTSD alone highlights that the treatment is effective. In fact, one study evaluated all the data from a collection of 20 studies using rTMS (repetitive) for the treatment of PTSD, and found that the collective data showed that rTMS can significantly reduce core symptoms associated with post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
TMS is a safe and effective treatment for many psychiatric conditions. When other forms of treatment, like medications and various forms of therapy, have not worked to relieve your symptoms, then perhaps TMS is exactly what you need to provide long-term relief.
It is also important to note, that at present, TMS is not covered by insurance to treat PTSD. So it is suggested that you check pricing with two or more clinics in your area. It will also be important to inquire about the number of PTSD patients treated and make the best decision based on your due diligence.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]ABOUT TMS DIRECTORY | TMS Directory is Connecting TMS Communities by connecting patients with a TMS therapy provider in their geographic region. Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) is a leading-edge technology that gently uses magnetic waves to stimulate nerve cells in the brain. TMS is a non-invasive treatment most commonly used for the treatment of major depression but is often used to treat the symptoms associated with several other neuropsychiatric disorders.
TMS THERAPY | TMS therapy is a useful tool for treatment-resistant depression and other neuropsychiatric conditions in patients who have failed to respond to medication or other treatments, such as psychotherapy.
TMS HELPS | If you are someone who suffers from depression, anxiety, OCD, PTSD, or another condition, and you are seeking TMS therapy as a treatment option – TMS Directory can connect you with a licensed TMS physician or provider in your area who specializes in treating your condition with the most advanced forms of medicine.
Please also see
- Mental Health Screening Tools
- Conditions Treated with TMS
- What is TMS Therapy?
- TMS Therapy Near Me
- Depression Screening
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