When left untreated, trauma can have a lasting impact on mental health. Under normal circumstances, the brain will store memories in a fluid process, but with trauma, the way those memories get stored is disrupted. This means that every time that memory is consciously or subconsciously retrieved, it causes distress, and that distress colors the retrieval memory as well as attaching some of that negativity, like fear, to each moment you consciously or subconsciously recall that traumatic memory.
This means individuals are susceptible to long-term consequences that can compound over time.
For that reason, it’s important to get effective therapy for trauma recovery. Today, there are many modern options that are having significantly more impact on individuals with trauma, like TMS and EMDR.
Understanding TMS and EMDR
One of the most common options today for trauma, particularly PTSD, is eye movement desensitization and reprocessing, or EMDR.
Another option to treat the mental health aspects of trauma is transcranial magnetic stimulation or TMS.
The Role of TMS and EMDR in Trauma Treatment
When looking at TMS vs. EMDR, you’ll see that both can play a role in trauma treatment, and in fact, you can consider using both at the same time, depending on the type of issue you are treating.
Transcranial magnetic stimulation places a device on your head through which electricity or magnetic impulses are sent into the brain. A trained technician controls the depth and location of these impulses as well as the intensity level, and after mapping, your brain is able to send repeated pulses to areas that are associated with your symptoms.
The result of this is that part of your brain has better blood flow and function where it might have atrophied or stopped working properly.
EMDR involves you thinking about your trauma instead of talking about it. While thinking about it, you follow a trained therapist with your eyes, or you follow eye movements as indicated by an audio recording. These eye movements help your brain to store the memories that you are recalling in real-time in a more effective fashion so that they do not continue to disrupt daily life.
The result of this is your brain is able to properly store memories related to traumatic events and do away with the negative emotions associated with those memories that were improperly placed, not just in the present but in the future.
Key Differences Between TMS and EMDR
The key differences have to do with how the process works, what it is targeting, and what the outcomes are for specific conditions.
TMS vs EMDR: How They Work
When comparing TMS therapy vs. EMDR, there are many similarities:
Treatment Approach
Both TMS and EMDR are designed to help your brain, but the mechanism used is slightly different.
- EMDR helps your brain change the way traumatic memories are stored, and as a secondary result of this, moving forward, anytime you consciously or subconsciously retrieve those memories, they won’t be associated with the same negative feelings, and they won’t have a lasting impact on you moving forward.
- TMS helps your brain change the structure and function of key areas, particularly areas associated with the symptoms of trauma, like anxiety and depression.
Targeted Conditions
With EMDR vs. TMS, the targeted conditions they are meant to help will vary.
The US Department of Veterans Affairs and the World Health Organization promote EMDR as the most effective PTSD treatment today. PTSD can develop after a significant traumatic event, with some symptoms of depression or anxiety.
By comparison, the FDA has approved TMS as a treatment for depression, and it is also used for anxiety, both of which are often secondary mental health disorders associated with trauma or that develop as a result of trauma.
Session Length and Frequency
With EMDR vs. TMS, the session lengths and frequency vary too:
- EMDR sessions are typically between 1 hour and 90 minutes and can be conducted on consecutive days because of the limited side effects.
- TMS sessions are typically 20 minutes to 30 minutes and can also be conducted on consecutive days.
The time frame is based on individual factors. With EMDR, a single traumatic event can be effectively treated in an average of eight sessions, whereas more complex trauma might take several months to effectively treat. Similarly, TMS might require between 20 and 40 sessions, depending on the condition.
Potential Side Effects
At present, there are no potential side effects associated with EMDR, and limited side effects are associated with TMS, like tingling sensations where the electrodes were placed or a mild headache, tend to go away after the first few sessions.
Note: One major difference between TMS vs. EMDR is that any individual with epilepsy, metal implants in their brain, or similar epileptic conditions cannot use TMS but can still use EMDR.
Similarities Between TMS and EMDR
There are several similarities between TMS therapy vs. EMDR.
- Both provide trauma-focused treatment
- Both are evidence-based in their effectiveness
- Both are a non-medication-based approach to treatment
With so many similarities, how do you choose between TMS vs. EMDR?
Factors to Consider When Choosing Between TMS and EMDR
There are four key factors to consider when comparing TMS and EMDR and deciding which one will work best for you.
#1: Nature of Trauma
The nature of the trauma will play a role in deciding which one is best for you: TMS vs. EMDR. More severe trauma, especially that which leads to PTSD, is best treated with EMDR.
#2: Patient Comfort and Preferences
You should also consider your level of comfort and your personal preferences. If you are more comfortable with something that uses magnetic pulses but doesn’t require you to actively think about the traumatic event, TMS might be better for you.
#3: Accessibility and Cost
There are limits to what is accessible in your area and what the costs are. Not all insurance providers will cover EMDR vs. TMS, so it’s up to you to figure out what your benefits are and what you can pay out of pocket.
#4: Combination Therapy
As mentioned, it is perfectly feasible to combine therapies. If you are unsure about whether TMS or EMDR is best, you can consider using both, assuming that both are accessible and within your budget.
Conclusion
Overall, both TMS and EMDR have unique strengths. Either one can be used for trauma, but the best option is based on personal circumstances. It is important to consult a mental health professional to determine the best therapy for your specific trauma.