Does Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation Work For Anxiety?

Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation, or TMS, is an emerging form of non-invasive brain stimulation that has shown promising results in treating a variety of mental health conditions. While it is FDA-approved to treat depression, it is also approved as an adjunct for the treatment of OCD, an anxiety disorder. Does transcranial magnetic stimulation work for anxiety? There are several things to consider if you’re thinking of engaging in TMS for anxiety.

What is Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation?

TMS is an innovative, non-invasive treatment that involves using electricity and magnets to stimulate different parts of the brain that are associated with mood. Known as cortical excitability, TMS is thought to increase or decrease activity in specific areas of the brain depending on the desired outcome. For example, it can be used to increase activity in areas responsible for positive emotion and reduce activity in areas associated with negative thoughts.

TMS is mostly used to treat major depressive disorder, with results seen within weeks of starting treatment. Researchers are investigating ways to use TMS to help patients with other mental health conditions, such as anxiety disorders.

Does Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation Work for Anxiety?

TMS can be incredibly effective for treating anxiety. In fact, the FDA has approved TMS for several uses related to anxiety, including:

  • As an adjunct (meaning added to traditional treatment) for obsessive-compulsive disorder, or OCD
  • To treat comorbid anxiety and depression

While the FDA still has not approved TMS to treat anxiety outright, these new approvals are a good sign for anxiety sufferers that TMS is an effective treatment option. OCD is in itself one of the most challenging mental health conditions to treat and is considered an anxiety disorder.

People with OCD will typically have recurrent, intrusive thoughts and/or compulsive behaviors that interfere with their daily lives. Their anxiety is so high that they feel compelled to perform rituals or routines to alleviate their distress. These behaviors can be time-consuming and impair day-to-day functioning.

While studies are still in the works, research suggests the limited studies available to show promise for TMS alleviating anxiety symptoms.

TMS for Trauma-Related Anxiety

In addition to anxiety with co-morbid depression and OCD, new research also shows that TMS might benefit people with both generalized anxiety disorder, or GAD, and post-traumatic stress disorder, also known as PTSD.

PTSD is a severe anxiety disorder that arises from past traumatic experiences and exposure to high levels of stress. TMS plays a role in reducing anxiety caused by PTSD by targeting areas of the prefrontal cortex in the brain. This is exciting news for those struggling with PTSD, which is not only an anxiety disorder that can lead to other mental health challenges but also a disorder that significantly impacts daily functioning.

As research on TMS and trauma-related anxiety continues to grow, the hope is that more individuals struggling with PTSD, OCD, and co-morbid anxiety can access this promising form of therapy.

Is TMS Right For Me?

It’s clear from emerging research that TMS might be a cornerstone for anxiety treatment one day. However, with studies and FDA approval still on the horizon, it’s important to weigh all options with a mental health professional to determine if TMS is suitable for you.

Some considerations to keep in mind when discussing TMS as a potential treatment option include:

  • Severity of anxiety symptoms: While TMS has shown promise in treating various types of anxiety, it may not be the best option for everyone. Those with severe and debilitating symptoms may still require additional forms of therapy or medication.
  • Comorbid depression: Remember that the FDA has approved TMS for anxiety related to co-morbid depression. If your anxiety is not related to depression, you might want to also consider other treatments in addition to TMS like cognitive-behavioral therapy or medication.
  • Time commitment: Typically, TMS treatment involves daily sessions for several weeks. Fortunately, sessions only last around 30 minutes, but it’s important to weigh the time commitment and potential disruption to daily routines when considering TMS.

Explore TMS For Anxiety Today

TMS might be a game-changer for those experiencing severe depression or anxiety due to trauma, OCD, or depression. At Pacific Mind Health, we provide mental health treatment in Long Beach including TMS, ketamine therapy, psychiatry, and more. Our goal is simple – give you the most innovative and effective tools backed by research to help you achieve peace of mind. Contact us today to learn more about how TMS might be the right form of therapy for your anxiety. We’ll work with you to create a personalized treatment plan that fits your needs and goals. Don’t let anxiety hold you back any longer – explore the possibilities of TMS today!