Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) therapy is gaining recognition for its success in treating post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). TMS revitalizes mood control areas in the brain and improves communication in the central nervous system. TMS is FDA-approved and has already proven effective for treatment-resistant depression and anxiety disorders.
What Is Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder?
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) develops after a traumatic event like assault, abuse, combat, or an accident. PTSD can also occur after a friend or family member experiences harm or after the sudden death of a loved one. PTSD alters the brain and affects how individuals interact with the world. It can occur in anyone, including children. Most importantly, PTSD is not a sign of weakness – is a treatable medical condition.
After a traumatic event, most people will experience a range of emotions and reactions. Those who experience ongoing difficulties affecting their relationships and routines may be diagnosed with PTSD.
According to the The National Center for PTSD, approximately 7-8% of people in the United States will experience PTSD at some point in their lives, with around 8 million adults affected in any given year. Women are more likely to develop PTSD, and genetics may also play a role.
What are Signs and Symptoms of PTSD?
PTSD symptoms usually begin within three months of a trauma and can vary in severity and duration. To be categorized as PTSD, symptoms must last more than one month and be severe enough to interfere with relationships, work, or daily routines.
Healthcare providers will evaluate an individual on a variety of factors when considering a PTSD diagnosis. Symptoms of PTSD may include:
- Ongoing flashbacks of the traumatic event
- Nightmares
- Avoiding places or actions related to the trauma
- Angry outbursts
- Sleeping difficulties
- Trouble recalling key features of the traumatic event
- Feelings like guilt or shame
How Does TMS Therapy Work?
PTSD treatment usually involve prescription medications and psychotherapy. Some people may need to try different treatments to discover what works best for them. Untreated PTSD can lead to panic disorder, depression, substance abuse, or suicidal thoughts.
Transcranial magnetic stimulation therapy may provide relief for people with PTSD. While antidepressants chemically alter the brain, TMS uses magnetic fields to stimulate underactive nerve cells. Oasis TMS utilizes an FDA-approved device to deliver magnetic energy pulses to the brain, revitalizing mood control areas and improving communication in the central nervous system.
TMS is a non-invasive, in-office procedure with sessions as short as three minutes, depending on the stimulation needed. There is no post-treatment recovery time. TMS trials have shown positive, lasting effects on brain function in people with treatment-resistant PTSD, depression, anxiety disorders, schizophrenia, stroke rehabilitation, and more.
TMS Therapy Is Shown Effective For PTSD
TMS can be effective when traditional therapies fail to provide relief. Recent studies on TMS therapy for PTSD showed significant improvements in PTSD and depression symptoms in one-third of participants. In a separate study with veterans, seventy percent no longer met PTSD criteria after TMS therapy.
Other benefits of TMS therapy include:
- Reduction in the emotional effects of depression
- Greater control of anxiety symptoms
- Non-systemic delivery, meaning nothing enters the bloodstream
- No sedation – patient remains awake and alert during treatment
- Non-invasive – nothing is inserted or implanted into the body
- No medication – unlike with some drugs, there are no side effects such as weight gain, drowsiness, sleeplessness, stomach upset or sexual problems you may experience with medication.
Transcranial magnetic stimulation therapy may be covered by your health insurance. To ensure TMS therapy is right for you, talk to your doctor and request an appointment with Oasis TMS today. If you are suffering with PTSD, we are here to help you feel better.
