Does TMS Work for Anxiety?

NeuroHealth Treatment Centers is proud to offer transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) therapy for anxiety disorders. Patients often ask us, “does TMS work for anxiety?” The answer is often “Yes,” but it is important to seek medical guidance before undertaking a new treatment.

Do you wish you could manage anxiety more effectively? NeuroHealth Treatment Centers can determine whether TMS therapy may be appropriate for you. Our clinical staff evaluates your medical history, any medications you’re taking, and other factors to determine your candidacy.

Many patients achieve relief from anxiety disorders after TMS treatment. Find out how it works and if it’s right for you at a complimentary consultation. Call NeuroHealth Treatment Centers at 954-417-7575 in Fort Lauderdale today.

What Is Anxiety?

Anxiety is the sense of fear or dread that may occur as a response to stress. Everyone worries about something from time to time, but those with an anxiety disorder experience persistent, debilitating fear or uneasiness that interferes with their daily lives.

Clinically speaking, patients with Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) experience excessive stress or worry more days than not for a minimum of 6 months. Other types of anxiety disorders include:

• Social Anxiety Disorder
• Panic Disorder
• Agoraphobia
• Separation Anxiety Disorder
• Intense Phobias
• Selective Mutism

People with these conditions may experience physical symptoms such as elevated heart rate, shortness of breath, nausea, sleep disturbances, etc. They may also withdraw socially, feel restless and agitated, and have difficulty concentrating or making decisions.

Anxiety disorders (as well as similar conditions like Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)) can be disruptive to daily life. Many people find it difficult to focus on work, school, and the activities they love.

How Is Anxiety Usually Treated?

Anxiety is usually treated through a combination of:

• Psychotherapy: Doctors commonly recommend cognitive behavioral therapy to help patients recognize and overcome negative thought patterns, as well as exposure therapy to confront sources of anxiety in a safe manner.
• Medication: Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and serotonin–norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs) are often prescribed to help manage anxiety symptoms.
• Lifestyle changes: Getting more exercise, prioritizing sleep, minimizing caffeine and alcohol consumption, and practicing mindfulness and relaxation are all examples of lifestyle changes that may reduce feelings of anxiety.

Unfortunately, up to 35% of patients with generalized anxiety disorder don’t respond to medication. Many also struggle to stick with therapy and changes in their lifestyle. These issues have led to a demand for alternative treatment options.

Have you been diagnosed with an anxiety disorder, OCD, or another condition? Are you looking for a drug-free, effective alternative to therapy? Contact NeuroHealth Treatment Centers to find out if TMS will work for your anxiety.

How Does TMS Therapy Work?

During transcranial magnetic stimulation, a series of magnetic pulses are delivered to targeted areas of the brain. The goal is to stimulate the neurons in an effort to improve mood regulation and enhance neuroplasticity.

Most patients need 6–8 weeks of TMS to experience relief from anxiety. Sessions usually last 20–40 minutes each, during which you will sit comfortably in our modern and comfortable office. No anesthesia or other medication is needed because TMS is noninvasive and well-tolerated by most patients.

The most common part of the brain treated with TMS for anxiety is the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC). A critical part of emotional regulation and fear management, the DLPFC is often underactive in patients with anxiety disorders.

At NeuroHealth Treatment Centers, we have adopted the cutting-edge Nexstim SmartFocus® device. This TMS technology creates a 3-D model of the brain using an MRI scan, allowing our clinical staff to precisely locate the DLPFC and position the device for maximum efficacy.

Is TMS Therapy Effective for Anxiety?

Yes, we have seen patients experience significant improvement in anxiety symptoms after undergoing TMS therapy. These outcomes are supported by an emerging body of clinical research. Key findings include:

Significant Improvement in GAD Symptoms with Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (rTMS)

A systematic literature review and meta-analysis in the International Journal of Neuropsychopharmacology found that patients who received rTMS therapy for generalized anxiety disorder were much more likely to experience substantial improvement than those who received sham treatment. The authors of the study concluded that TMS shows significant promise in the treatment of anxiety disorders, as well as PTSD and OCD.

rTMS + Medication More Effective Than Medication Alone

A meta-analysis in General Hospital Psychiatry compared the effectiveness of combination therapy (rTMS and medication) versus psychiatric medication alone in treating GAD. Researchers found that patients who received a combination of rTMS and medication had lower levels of anxiety than those who only took medication.

Low-Frequency rTMS May Be Best Brain Stimulation Option for Anxiety Disorders

More than 1,300 patients were included in a systematic review of various brain stimulation techniques for anxiety disorders, OCD, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Writing in the Journal of Affective Disorders, the authors of the study found that high-frequency and low-frequency rTMS were both effective in treating anxiety disorders. They noted that low-frequency rTMS may be the best available option based on efficacy and tolerability.

Reductions in Anxiety and Depression Symptoms

Many patients experience symptoms of anxiety and clinical depression. A study in The Journal of Clinical Psychiatry examined the antidepressant and anti-anxiety effects of TMS and found that patients experienced a 50% reduction in symptoms on average. In clinical settings, a 50% reduction is considered a positive response to treatment.

This is just a sample of the scientific literature that seeks to answer the question, “does TMS work for anxiety?” Every patient is different, but the body of evidence suggests that TMS therapy has real potential for helping patients with generalized anxiety disorder and other conditions.

If you are interested in exploring TMS treatment for anxiety, we recommend scheduling a no-cost consultation with NeuroHealth Treatment Centers. Our commitment to personalized care starts with a comprehensive evaluation and discussion of your symptoms and goals.

Can TMS Make Anxiety Worse?

Increased anxiety is considered an uncommon side effect of TMS therapy. A systematic review in the International Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry found one study where several patients dropped out due to increased feelings of anxiety. However, this was limited to older adults receiving TMS treatment for depression.

The most common side effect of TMS is a mild, short-lived headache. Some patients may also experience discomfort of the scalp at the treatment site, as well as pain in the eye, jaw, and/or neck that typically subsides shortly after treatment. According to a study published this year in the Current Opinion in Psychology, there is little evidence of adverse psychological or cognitive effects.

Close monitoring is key for ensuring that you tolerate TMS therapy well and any adverse effects are manageable and temporary. Our clinical team is passionate about patient safety, providing hands-on attention at every session and adjusting the treatment plan to help you achieve maximum improvement.

How Soon Does TMS Start Working?

Some patients notice improvements in mood within several sessions. As TMS treatment progresses, the full benefits should become apparent. You may find that you worry less, have more energy, sleep better, and experience fewer intrusive thoughts.

Precision TMS devices like the Nexstim SmartFocus® allow for accurate targeting of the brain regions involved in anxiety. Efficacy varies from patient to patient, but the effects of TMS may be apparent sooner when treatment is customized to your unique brain anatomy.

Find Out If TMS Works for Anxiety

Multiple studies have shown that transcranial magnetic stimulation is highly effective in treating depression. Research shows that anxiety disorders also respond to TMS treatment.

The effectiveness of TMS anxiety therapy depends on a number of factors, including the type of disorder, the severity of symptoms, and more. You need a TMS provider that uses innovative technology to individualize treatment and help you achieve relief from worry, fear, and dread.

Schedule a free consultation with NeuroHealth Treatments Centers at 954-417-7575 to learn how TMS works for anxiety and whether it’s right for you. Our leading TMS therapy clinic is located in Fort Lauderdale and serves all of South Florida.