Anxiety disorder is among the most prevalent mental disorders in the world today. According to the WHO, over 300 million people worldwide suffered from anxiety disorders in 2019. It included 58 million adolescents and children. This number increased due to the COVID-19 pandemic, prompting specialists in mental health to step up their efforts to combat this condition.
Generally, medications and psychotherapy are used to help overcome anxiety disorders. But if these first-line therapies are unsuccessful in producing the desired outcomes, TMS may be able to help those who are afflicted with this condition.
So, how can TMS aid in the treatment of anxiety disorders? Read on as we reveal the details below.
What is TMS?
Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) is a non-surgical treatment technique involving a magnetic field to impact brain activity. It is used to treat certain brain-related conditions, such as depression, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), and anxiety disorder. This line of treatment is applied when other remedies or treatment approaches fail to bear fruit.
TMS is not a new line of treatment. It was introduced at the University of Sheffield in England by Anthony Baker in 1985. This treatment procedure was approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 2008.
How Does TMS Work?
TMS applies powerful magnetic fields to certain areas of the human brain that are known to be related to depression. By stimulating the nerve cells in the human brain, the procedure impacts the central nervous system. It is a non-invasive treatment process that doesn’t require the administration of anesthesia.
How Effective Is TMS against Anxiety Disorder?
TMS has been widely studied as an effective treatment for patients suffering from major depressive disorder (MDD) and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and the results are pretty promising. Since anxiety and depression are both mood disorders, researchers have also shown interest in TMS as a treatment option for anxiety.
The good news is that TMS has demonstrated positive treatment effects for not just PTSD but generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) as well. Researchers have observed that TMS may serve as a satisfactory intervention measure for improving the condition of patients suffering from anxiety. However, there have only been a few studies done in this area.
What Are the Benefits of TMS Treatment for Anxiety Disorders?
TMS extends multiple benefits to people suffering from anxiety disorders. To begin with, the treatment holds the possibility of curing them of their mental condition. It can help improve their mental health and well-being. Also, TMS requires no surgery. Additionally, this non-invasive procedure has no major side effects. Some people undergoing this treatment procedure have reported a mild headache or lightheadedness, making it a safe treatment option.
Another point to note is that we can use TMS with other treatments, including mental health therapies, medications, etc.
TMS treatment provides hope to those who are suffering from anxiety disorders. If you need more information or help, contact the experts at Olympia Center for TMS and Psychiatry.
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