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Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) Therapy is effective when it comes to reducing depressive symptoms related to PTSD due to trauma. Trauma is defined as an emotional response to a distressing event or experience that affects an individualās power to function and cope. These types of events result in psychological, physical, and emotional trauma.
At some point, many of us will experience some kind of trauma. Death of loved ones, job loss, abandonment, childhood trauma, illness, natural disasters, psychological trauma, and violence are just a few of the events many experience in their lives that can make a lasting negative impact.
Trauma usually falls into three categories:Ā
There is no one way to respond to trauma. EverybodyĀ reactsĀ differently and what is ānormalā or āabnormalā isĀ relativelyĀ individual. Some normal responses to trauma include
While there are common reactions to trauma, there are times when a person’s response to trauma overcomes their ability to function in everyday life. Posttraumatic Stress Disorder, or PTSD, is a mental health condition that arises after a terrifying or life-threatening event. It can happen after either experiencing or witnessing the event.
While it was originally diagnosed in combat veterans, today, we know that it can occur to anyone. According to the American Psychiatric Association, PTSD affects one in eleven people in their lifetime.1
To be diagnosed with PTSD, a doctor needs to identify the exposure to an upsetting, traumatic event.Ā Ā
While experiencing symptoms after trauma is normal, even expected, there are times whereĀ coping is difficult long after the event has passed.Ā SymptomsĀ of PTSDĀ may develop up to three months after theĀ eventĀ and last for more than a month. It also significantly disruptsĀ the individualās life.Ā
While certain symptoms vary in severity, they typically fall into four categories:Ā
Some intrusive events include flashbacks of the traumatic event, recurrent, involuntary memories, and distressing dreams. Flashbacks can be so realistic that people feel as though they are seeing the event again before their eyes.Ā
People go out of their way to avoidĀ thinking about orĀ reminders of theĀ event. ThisĀ avoidanceĀ includes shunning people, places, objects, situations, and activities that could trigger memories. They could avoid talking about the event or their feelings about it.Ā
People experiencing PTSD may have reactive symptoms even long after theĀ eventĀ has passed. ThisĀ reactionĀ may include angry outbursts, being irritable, and self-destructive behavior. It can also manifest in being overly suspicious or startled, or issues with concentration or sleep.
PTSD can cause negative beliefs about oneself or others, such as āI can’t trust anyoneā or āI am a bad person.ā These distorted thoughts can lead to one blaming themselves wrongly for the traumatic event.Ā Ā
These negative thoughts and feelings can lead to ongoing horror, fear, guilt, anger, or shame. It can also lead toĀ a senseĀ of detachment or estrangement from others.Ā Moreover,Ā moodĀ changesĀ can lead to an inability to rememberĀ traumatic eventsĀ or important details fromĀ them.Ā
Memory issues, substance use, chronic pain, and depression are often conditions related to PTSD.Ā
While PTSD can be debilitating, there is hope. Since it was first diagnosed back in World War I as āshell shock,ā there have been many treatment modalities to help people recover from PTSD. SomeĀ forms of trauma therapyĀ include:Ā
EyeĀ movement desensitization and reprocessing, or EMDR, isĀ aĀ therapyĀ modelĀ that seeks to engage the natural healing processes of theĀ brain. It entails the client focusing on external stimulus, usually lateral eye movement, while briefly attending to emotionally disturbing material.
One study found that after six 50-minute sessionsĀ 100% of single-trauma victims and 77% of chronic trauma victims were no longer diagnosed with PTSD.2Ā
Trauma-Informed care seeks to bring a holistic, complete picture of a patientās life to provide the most effective health care.Ā There are four core principles of trauma-informed careĀ
Trauma-informed care goes beyond the psychologistās office and is applied to all medical care.
Cognitive-behavioralĀ therapy, or CBT, concentrates on changing the relationship betweenĀ thoughts, feelings,Ā and behaviors. Specifically, emotional processing theory and social cognitive theory can help reduce symptoms of PTSD.Ā
Exposure therapy focuses on the unhelpful learned behaviors that people use to respond to thoughts, memories, or situations that may provoke fear. For example, someone who survives a car crash may avoid driving for fear of it happening again. However, avoidance often makes PTSD symptoms last longer. Exposure therapy helps reduce this anxiety by actively confronting their fear.Ā
While all of these treatments can be effective for some people, others are not adequately helped by traditionalĀ therapies. Transcranial magnetic stimulation,Ā also calledĀ TMSĀ orĀ rTMSĀ (for repetitive TMS), can be another option. It uses electromagnetic impulses to regulate cells in the brain and help with healing.Ā This treatment can become valuable in helping those who experience PTSD.Ā
For those who haveĀ notĀ benefittedĀ fromĀ traditional PTSD treatments, itĀ isĀ understandable to be skeptical of something new. However,Ā TMS for PTSD is a critical tool to use towards healing.
TMSĀ therapyĀ typically requires five sessions a week for up to six weeks to treat PTSD. After this,Ā thereĀ areĀ then less frequent sessions for three weeks.Ā Each session typically takes anywhereĀ from 30-40 minutesĀ
Depending on how severe the PTSDĀ is, manyĀ peopleĀ start to see results after a coupleĀ ofĀ weeks.Ā
To make sure thatĀ rTMSĀ is a safe and effective option, you may need a physical exam andĀ otherĀ lab tests, as well as a psychiatric evaluation to discuss symptoms.Ā
TMS for PTSD is typically performed at a doctorās office under a qualified physician or TMS technician.Ā
High-success rate.
Most studies report success in about 60% of patients, with 30-40% in remission. For those who struggle with other more traditional therapy, TMS for PTSD could beĀ Ā
Non-invasive.
While electroconvulsive therapy is effective, it is no longer used because of how invasive the procedure is. However,Ā rTMSĀ harnesses the effectiveness of neurostimulation without invasiveness.
MinimalĀ side effects.
The most reported side effect is a mild headache, although it is not common and can be easily treated with pain relievers such as Tylenol.
While rTMS can be an effective option for many, certain people should not have the treatment, including those:5
Your doctor should perform a thorough history to ensure you have nothing that might conflict with TMS therapy. Also, be sure to speak with your doctor about any other medication or supplements you are taking before starting TMS for PTSD.
TMS for PTSD can help those who may not respond to traditional treatments. Ask your doctor if it is right for you.
We are happy to answer any questions you have. Your call is confidential with no obligation.
Iris HealingĀ® strives to be diligent and prompt in updating the information available on our website. Please note, however, that our treatment modalities and protocols are subject to change at any time. For the most up-to-date details regarding our treatment offerings or other protocols, please contact us: (844)663-4747
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