How TMS Therapy Targets PTSD

Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) is becoming increasingly popular as a treatment option for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), particularly among veterans. TMS therapy for PTSD entails the application of magnetic stimulation to regions of the brain that release stress hormones.

Trauma can lead to physical alterations to the structure and function of the brain. Hormone levels that activate fight-or-flight reactions may become aberrant due to these alterations. TMS uses magnetic brain stimulation to restore the balance of these chemicals and fight PTSD.

An overview of TMS treatment for PTSD

Post-traumatic stress disorder is a mental health condition brought on by and triggered by a terrible incident. These traumatic events are usually associated with a danger to one's life, death, severe injury, natural disasters, or sexual abuse. Even in a safe environment with no apparent threat, people with PTSD experience increased dread and anxiety, provoking fight-or-flight reactions.

Whether adult or child, anyone who has experienced terrible circumstances may develop PTSD. Pain and terror trigger a natural brain process that may alter perceptions and reactions. PTSD is commonly called "shell shock" or "battle weariness" by veterans of war. Veterans are more susceptible to developing PTSD than any other demographic in the United States because of war realities.

Is TMS therapy effective for PTSD?

Transcranial magnetic stimulation is promising for patients looking for a non-drug treatment option for PTSD. According to new research published in the American Journal of Psychiatry, when TMS therapy is used for war veterans with PTSD, they find relief, with 70% of the individuals no longer experiencing major PTSD symptoms following TMS therapy sessions. TMS therapy is a non-invasive treatment that has been used to treat mental illnesses like depression, anxiety, and PTSD. It may also be used to augment the result of using medications.

TMS works by employing electromagnetic radiation to target the left prefrontal cortex, responsible for mood regulation, decision-making, and impulse control. The magnetic pulses penetrate the brain and induce electric current via a coil placed on the scalp. The current activates the inactive neurotransmitters, restoring brain chemistry balance, including dopamine, serotonin, and norepinephrine, influencing mood. Over four to six weeks, patient data revealed significant improvement in depressive symptoms.

Brain function may be reset or regularized by stimulating nerve cells in the brain with high magnetic fields. In clinical trials, TMS therapy has been demonstrated to be quite effective in treating depression and PTSD in those who suffer from anxiety disorders. Therefore, the Food and Drug Administration has authorized TMS for the treatment of depression. To undergo TMS therapy, patients must be at least 18 years old.