tms for anxiety

Today, Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) as a treatment for anxiety has received a lot of attention. With a growing interest in alternative treatments for anxiety, especially when traditional therapies such as medication and psychotherapy don’t work for everyone, more and more people are asking: “Does TMS help with anxiety?” and “Does TMS make anxiety worse or better?”

This article will explore how TMS works, its effectiveness, potential side effects, and real-world reviews.

What is TMS and How Does it Work for Anxiety?

Transcranial magnetic stimulation is a form of alternative treatment that is a non-invasive way to help treat several conditions, including anxiety. This is a non-invasive treatment that relies on magnetic pulses, which are sent to specific areas of the brain known for causing anxiety.

By stimulating these areas of the brain, TMS for anxiety can help alleviate certain symptoms that are caused by imbalances in brain function.

There is a strong connection between brain function and anxiety. For example:

  • Imbalances in brain activity, specifically the left prefrontal cortex, can contribute to anxiety
  • TMS for anxiety reviews have concluded that the administration of this alternative therapy can correct these imbalances by sending more blood flow to areas that are not functioning as they should

How TMS is Administered

So, does TMS help with anxiety? It can, for many people. When you start a TMS program, you will spend the first few sessions having your brain mapped. This is a simple but important process where the same machine and method are used to map where different parts of your brain, like the prefrontal cortex, are located.

With this information, the remainder of your sessions are relatively similar:

  1. You start by sitting in a comfortable chair and can do things like read, watch a movie, or listen to music.
  2. Sessions typically last 20 minutes, during which time a device is placed on your head and magnetic pulses are sent to targeted areas of the brain.
  3. When you are done, you can return to your normal schedule.

As this is a completely non-invasive process and doesn’t require any type of anesthesia, you can drive yourself to and from your appointments, you can resume normal activities immediately after with no adverse side effects, and you can schedule sessions on a daily basis spanning several weeks.

Does TMS Help with Anxiety? Exploring the Effectiveness

Does TMS help with anxiety? A lot of studies and research have shown TMS’s potential in treating anxiety disorders. For example:

  1. One study reviewed the efficacy of TMS targeted over the left or right dorsolateral prefrontal cortex and concluded that within two weeks, six out of ten people had achieved complete remission of anxiety symptoms. This was determined using the HAM-D anxiety scale. That same study confirmed that seven out of ten people achieved remission using the Hamilton Anxiety Rating Scale.
  2. Other studies have found TMS as a useful treatment for anxiety disorders, including generalized anxiety disorder, panic disorder, and PTSD.
  3. New randomized controlled studies have found that TMS can improve major biomarkers for those with anxiety.
  4. Science has found that TMS for social anxiety disorder can be particularly effective in an area where only 25% of people respond to medication alternatives.
  5. Other work has found that targeting the prefrontal cortex areas with TMS can improve cognitive control, emotion networks, and motivation networks throughout the brain, which provides significant relief from anxiety symptoms.

Given all of these positive results, TMS for anxiety was approved by the FDA in 2008 as a safe, effective treatment to be used in isolation or in conjunction with other treatments.

Comparison with Other Treatments:

Does TMS work for anxiety if you are also taking medication? Can TMS make anxiety worse if you are participating in therapy or trying other lifestyle changes?

In fact, one of the most appealing aspects of TMS for anxiety reviews is that it does not come with negative side effects like anxiety medications, and it can be used with no contraindications.

This means you can use TMS as your only form of treatment for anxiety or in combination with lifestyle changes, therapy, or medications.

How does it compare?

  • Transcranial magnetic stimulation doesn’t come with negative side effects like most anti-anxiety medications.
  • TMS for anxiety can offer significant relief for up to one year, whereas things like therapy might only offer relief when participating in sessions or using things learned during sessions.
  • TMS is often more affordable compared to individual therapy or medication.
  • TMS doesn’t come with a risk of addiction like many anti-anxiety medications, nor does it mean daily reliance on pharmaceutical solutions.
  • Transcranial magnetic stimulation can make it easier to reap additional benefits from therapy and lifestyle changes.

Can TMS Make Anxiety Worse?

There is a possibility of negative outcomes or side effects, and TMS may not be the solution for everyone. That said, current studies have not concluded that TMS makes anxiety worse, although it may not make it better.

TMS for Anxiety Reviews: What Are Patients Saying?

tms for anxiety

Common themes from TMS reviews are that it is highly effective and it is a comfortable process with no side effects.

Patients in the studies listed above have seen significant improvements in their anxiety symptoms after TMS treatment.

That said, some patients have encountered some challenges or concerns, primarily the lack of immediate results and the cost. TMS does take a bit of a time commitment, with daily appointments spanning several weeks. If you do not have a TMS clinic near you, this can mean an additional commitment in terms of driving to and from the facility.

Moreover, not all insurance companies will provide coverage, which means benefits may not apply, and you will have to pay for the process out of pocket.

Does TMS Work for Anxiety?

TMS works for some, but not all. Remember that in all studies so far, there has never been a 100% remission rate, which means that it might not work for you; however, it does have significantly fewer side effects and costs associated with other treatments, and it is worth considering whether it will work or not given the lack of potential side effects or contraindications.

If you are considering this form of treatment, consult a professional to determine if it may or may not be the right approach for you, especially given the type of anxiety you have.

Summing Up

Don’t hesitate to explore TMS further if you are struggling with anxiety, but also keep an open mind and consider all treatment options. Remember that TMS can be effectively combined with other treatments and might be one part of a larger treatment plan.

If you are wondering, “Does TMS work for anxiety?” consider consulting with a mental health professional to explore if TMS can be an effective solution in your unique case.