Can Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) Treat Anxious Depression?

TMS is non-invasive, pain-free, and virtually non-sedative. Modern safety measures reduce the chance of seizure or loss of consciousness with TMS to under 0.1%. Typically treated four or five times each week for four to six weeks, sessions of treatment average 40 minutes. The FDA recently authorized a novel kind of TMS known as theta burst stimulation for use in treating anxious depression; sessions of theta burst stimulation last only around 10 minutes but are administered daily for several weeks.

What is Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS)?

For those whose depression has not gotten better with medication, transcranial magnetic stimulation also known as TMS or rTMS may be a safe, efficient, noninvasive choice. TMS therapy for anxious depression uses an electromagnetic coil to generate a magnetic field to stimulate a tiny electrical current in a particular area of the brain. An FDA-approved therapy, TMS was recently given approval for OCD treatment using the Brainsway Deep TMS device.

Treatment Strategies for Anxious Depression

Contemporary treatment modalities for anxiety coexisting with depression are analogous to those for anxiety disorders and non-anxious major depressive disorders. Deep TMS is the best depression treatment in Dallas that provides a non-invasive, non-drug replacement addressing some of the drawbacks of conventional therapy approaches.

Deep Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation

Deep transcranial magnetic stimulation is a noninvasive technique that uses magnetic pulses to safely and efficiently control the neural activity of specific brain regions. Deep TMS offers several benefits over conventional therapies: no anesthetic or recovery time, no systematic side effects related to medication, and demonstrated effectiveness for treatment-resistant individuals. Deep Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (Deep TMS™) is the inaugural TMS system to receive FDA approval for the safe and effective treatment of comorbid anxiety symptoms in adult patients diagnosed with depression, commonly referred to as anxious depression.

Different Talk Therapies

Many different kinds of talk therapy have been proved in treating anxious depression. CBT is the best treatment for anxious depression that helps the patient learn how to replace harmful ideas with useful patterns of thoughts and behavior. Interpersonal Therapy (IPT) deals with problems in present relationships through recognizing obstacles, creating innovative answers, and making beneficial choices. Problem-Solving Therapy helps patients to better control stress. 

Medications 

Several classes of anxious depression medication have been proven to effectively relieve symptoms of anxiety and depression, including tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs), serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs), and selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). Research has indicated that individuals with anxious depression frequently do not experience enduring symptom relief following initial treatment successes and face an elevated risk of side effects, including sexual dysfunction or weight gain.

ECT

Electroconvulsive therapy for anxious depression treatment causes a short series of seizures that activate the neural activity of the brain. Although ECT has been shown to reduce severe depression, its effect on anxiety is controversial; some studies reveal little relief, while others indicate symptom aggravation. Under anesthesia, ECT needs complete sleep and exposes possible negative effects, including nausea, confusion, and short-term memory loss.

Stress Control Therapies 

Stress-reduction practices, including improved sleep habits, better food, and regular exercise, can help to lessen anxious depression symptoms. Furthermore, avoiding alcohol, drugs, and tobacco is beneficial because they can aggravate symptoms and can impair other treatments with medication, therapy, or Deep TMS. Finally, social support groups can provide a valuable network to assist individuals dealing with depression and anxiety.

Procedure of TMS Treatment

A depression doctor in Dallas or a physician conducts the therapy session as an outpatient. This implies that the procedure could potentially take place in a medical office. If the procedure takes place in a hospital, you won't have to stay overnight. You will have to get rid of things like jewelry that are magnetically sensitive before the operation.

During TMS, you can expect the following:

• Your technician at the TMS Center for Depression in Dallas will ask you to wear earplugs to lessen the clicking sound of magnetic impulses. You will be seated in a comfortable chair. You won't require general anesthesia because you will remain conscious throughout the process.

• If this is your first session, your technician will measure your head to determine the proper placement of the magnetic coil. Measuring will also enable them to adjust the TMS machine's settings.

• Your technician will position the coil over the front part of your brain. Next, they will start treatment.

• You will hear a clicking sound when the magnetic impulses release. You will also experience a tapping or knocking feeling beneath the magnetic coil.

• The therapy might last anywhere from thirty to sixty minutes. Following the treatment, you can drive yourself home and return to your normal activities.

• For around four to six weeks, you will need to repeat the procedure five days a week. The precise duration of your therapy will depend on your response and specific condition.

Who Needs to Avoid TMS Therapy?

Although TMS is generally considered safe, it may not be suitable for everyone. You should stay away from TMS if you have metal in your brain, for example.

• Deep brain stimulants

• Electrodes

• Stents for the brain or neck.

• Clips or coils for aneurysms

• Shrapnel or bullet fragments

• Metallic ink facial tattoos

• Plates made of metal

• Cochlear devices

• Permanent perforations

• Serious injuries may result from these implants heating up or moving due to the magnetic fields in TMS.

• If you have braces or dental fillings, it's fine to receive the therapy.

You additionally probably have to avoid TMS if you:

• Have a history of seizures or epilepsy

• Have a medical condition that elevates seizure risk.

TMS aims at the activity of brain nerve cells, therefore possibly relieving some of your depressed symptoms. Anxious depression treatment might help people with diseases like PTSD, anxiety, and OCD as well. The procedure could even help with motor impairment, which makes it possibly beneficial for those living with Parkinson's disease, multiple sclerosis, or undergoing stroke rehabilitation. If you are interested in TMS, see a physician. You may be a suitable candidate if you are young, have a low risk of seizures, and have not found relief from antidepressants.

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