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TMS for Treatment of Generalized Anxiety
TMS Treatment Generalized Anxiety | While some patients have reported higher anxiety levels after TMS, the treatment has also been used in some cases to treat generalized anxiety disorder. Research indicates that the effects of TMS on anxiety can vary based on the specifics of a patient’s condition, the frequency of magnetic pulses used, and other parameters.
Because a mental health disorder is diagnosed based on a collection of symptoms, a physician needs to obtain a detailed and thorough history before making an initial diagnosis. Alternatively, it is equally important for patients to report their symptoms accurately and make regularly scheduled follow-up appointments to ensure correct diagnosis, especially when considering TMS as a treatment alternative.
In a 2011 research study, it was concluded that when administered to individuals with panic disorder, repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) caused higher anxiety levels. However, it is important to note that there is no evidence suggesting that TMS makes anxiety worse for most patients.
Improvement in their anxiety symptoms
In fact, most patients receiving TMS for the treatment of depression report improvement in their anxiety symptoms – such as an improved ability to cope with stress, less worry, and a lift in their mood. Although there is limited research to support the efficacy of TMS for the treatment of anxiety, many patients have reported that TMS helped their anxiety symptoms.
This is likely due to the fact depression and anxiety affect similar areas of the brain. Both depression and anxiety can be caused by the differences in activity between the brain’s hemispheres, especially in the left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC), where TMS treatments focus on the treatment of depression.
Regulating mood and emotions
TMS improves brain function and increases the DLPFC’s ability to regulate mood and emotions. Studies have shown benefits for patients who experience ‘anxious depression’ or depression with comorbid anxiety. In these situations, TMS could likely be an effective treatment option.
When treating both the right and left DLPFC (bilateral), magnetic fields increase activity on the left and reduce activity on the right. Because activity can be fueled by hyperactivity in the right DLPFC, lowering the activity levels can actually help reduce anxiety symptoms.
TMS is known for its safety and few temporary side effects, including discomfort at or near the treatment site and headaches. Further, these minor side effects are generally temporary and subside after the first week.
TMS is not typically covered by insurance for the treatment of anxiety. Therefore, it is recommended to perform due diligence before seeking TMS for anxiety, as the cost of treatment can vary from one provider to another and the level of experience in treating anxiety with TMS.[/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 the
- Mental Health Screening Tools
- Conditions Treated with TMS
- What is TMS Therapy?
- TMS Therapy Near Me
- Depression Screening
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