Bella Neckow

Anxiety and TMS treatment

Complete treatment of most mental problems like depression and anxiety usually come with various side effects. If you are planning to get Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation, then you must be worried about its side effects or other complications related to anxiety. TMS shows different results in various patients. For instance, it aggravates anxiety in some patients, but one can also adopt this therapy for treating it in specific patients. Researches show that the effects of TMS on anxiety depend upon the severity of disease in the patients and their specific condition. Some other factors also determine their effects, e.g., the frequency of impulses used during the therapy.

Working of TMS therapy

We have been using TMS therapy since 1980 to treat anxiety and depression by increasing the activity of certain brain areas, mainly the DLPFC (dorsolateral prefrontal cortex). The technician sends alternating and repetitive magnetic waves to the brain cells for stimulating their activity. TMS is also regarded as a non-convulsive and noninvasive alternative of ECT (Electroconvulsive therapy). TMS session usually lasts for 30 minutes, and patients can get back to their normal routine as soon as it ends.

Will TMS worsen your anxiety?

Researches show that TMS can worsen your anxiety attacks in some patients. For instance, in 2011, research was conducted in which patients were given TMS therapy that were also suffering from panic disorders. TMS increased their panic attacks following the sessions of TMS. Still, there is no evidence to prove any major effects of TMS on anxiety. According to our survey, only a few patients out of the majority showed aggravation of anxiety after getting treatment through TMS. Most of the patients showed a positive response. They not only became calm but also started coping with their worry and stressors in a better way.

Therefore, we can not count anxiety as an adverse effect of this therapy. Rare cases can result in other effects like seizures and mania. Whereas common side effects are lightheadedness, tingling of the skin, and headaches, but most of them disappear after some time. But if you experience worsening of anxiety attacks after getting TMS therapy, then discuss it with your doctor.

But it is important to take help from a reliable and experienced medical center to get Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation. Reputable centers ensure the best possible treatment.