TMS Therapy for PTSD Treatment

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Does TMS Therapy work for PTSD?

Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) offers new hope for patients seeking an alternative, drug-free approach to treating PTSD. A recent study by the American Journal of Psychiatry has found when using TMS Therapy for War Veterans who suffer from PTSD, they find relief with 70% of the participants no longer meeting the criteria for PTSD after TMS treatment sessions.

Post-traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) can challenge and rule your life with severe anxiety responses due to traumatic experiences from one’s life. Thousands of people and Veterans everyday struggle with this disorder and suffer every day.

Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) therapy is a non-invasive treatment that has been known to treat conditions such as depression, anxiety, PTSD, and more. It can also be used as an augment to improve the use of certain medications. By using powerful magnetic fields to stimulate never cells in the brain and ultimately reset, or normalize brain function. Studies have shown that TMS Therapy for those who suffer from anxiety disorders proves to be very successful in treating depression and PTSD, and helps them feel like themselves again and enjoy life.

TMS is FDA-approved. You must be 18 years of age or older to receive TMS Therapy.

Symptoms of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder

Symptoms and signs of PTSD can include:

  • Flashbacks to the traumatic experience
  • Headaches or nausea, sweating, increased heart rate, or high cortisol levels
  • Re-occurring nightmares about the traumatic event
  • The desire to avoid individuals, locations, and things that cause them to recall the event
  • Feelings of dread or anxiety, as well as tension and being startled easily
  • Unexpected outbursts of speech
  • Unfamiliar symptoms keeping you awake at night
  • Harmful emotions such as guilt, blame, and consistent negative thoughts
  • Enjoyable activities no longer feel exciting
  • Distrust of the world
  • Inability or fear of speaking

TMS Therapy for Veterans with PTSD

PTSD is a common disorder that affects thousands of Veterans and their families and loved ones as well. In the line of duty, many soldiers who have seen combat or witnessed trauma are deeply affected by their PTSD and cannot lead lives in which they feel happy or healthy, and are plagued with anxiety from their traumatic pasts.

The percentage of Veterans struggling with PTSD is high. With statistics from VA.gov,

  • “Operations Iraqi Freedom (OIF) and Enduring Freedom (OEF): About 11-20 out of every 100 Veterans (or between 11-20%) who served in OIF or OEF have PTSD in a given year.
  • Gulf War (Desert Storm): About 12 out of every 100 Gulf War Veterans (or 12%) have PTSD in a given year.
  • Vietnam War: About 15 out of every 100 Vietnam Veterans (or 15%) were currently diagnosed with PTSD at the time of the most recent study in the late 1980s, the National Vietnam Veterans Readjustment Study (NVVRS). It is estimated that about 30 out of every 100 (or 30%) of Vietnam Veterans have had PTSD in their lifetime”.

PTSD has also been known to coincide with symptoms of addiction, shame, poor sleep, aggression, mood irregularities, poor physical health, and a struggle to live a peaceful live.

How will TMS Therapy help my PTSD?

More than half of patients who struggle with PTSD also struggle with depression. Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) offers an alternative, drug-free approach to not only treating PTSD but depression as well. TMS is non-invasive and does not require any anesthesia. It is administered in a doctor’s office while the patient is awake. By using electromagnetic energy, TMS targets the region of the brain that is responsible for mood regulation, decision-making, and impulse control, within the left prefrontal cortex. The magnetic pulses travel through a coil that is put over your scalp where they go into the brain, inducing electrical currents. The current then stimulates the neurotransmitters that have been sluggish, resulting in a rebalancing of the brain chemistry, such as dopamine, serotonin, and norepinephrine, which all regulate mood. Over the span of 4-6 weeks, patient results have shown major relief in symptoms related to depression.

Ben Kennard is a VA technician and 20-year Veteran of the U.S. Army, who has been directly involved with the TMS treatments. From the US Department of Veteran Affairs, Kennard says, “With the majority of the Veterans, I have seen, TMS really works. Anybody that is suffering from depression should at least give it a try and see how it works for them. It gives us another treatment option, especially for those Veterans who have issues with taking medications.”

For those who have suffered from PTSD and tried multiple forms of treatment with no relief, TMS Therapy has proved to be a successful alternative. With many studies showing TMS can be very effective in making your symptoms manageable, it provides new hope for those struggling to feel in control over their lives, gain control again. TMS Therapy has provided relief to patients with or without medications.

When will I see the results? 

TMS Therapy can begin working in a couple of weeks, and even sooner for others. Every patient is different and unique and at Anew Era TMS & Psychiatry & Psychiatry, every patient receives a comprehensive, unique mental health plan to suit their needs. Depending on how long they have suffered from PTSD and their individual circumstances, patients should expect to begin to feel better only weeks after.

Treatments take anywhere from 19-40 minutes depending on the unique needs of the patient. During the treatment, you sit comfortably in a chair and a technician will place the coil on your head. After your treatment, you can continue your day as normal. PTSD is an extremely anxious response to trauma and is a very debilitating disorder to live with. TMS Therapy will help you rediscover the color in life and get you back to feeling like yourself.

Anew Era TMS & Psychiatry & Psychiatry is eager to help you feel your finest. Call us at (888) 503-1549 if you or someone you know is struggling with PTSD or depression so that we can discuss the various options available to you. With dedicated professionals who understand how mental health disorders impact the lives of those who live with them, we are excited to provide TMS Therapy. Getting well is possible. We are open 5 days a week for your convenience.

About Anew Era TMS & Psychiatry & Psychiatry

We are an outpatient mental health clinic specializing in providing the most advanced psychiatric treatments under one roof. Our aim is to provide the highest quality mental health treatment. Anew Era TMS & Psychiatry & Psychiatry offers licensed professionals to treat depression, anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder, obsessional disorders, addiction and other mental health disorders.