TMS For Anxiety: Debunking Myths And Setting The Facts Straight

26 September 2023

Anxiety disorders are among the most common mental health conditions worldwide, affecting millions of people. While traditional treatments like therapy and medications have been effective for many, some individuals continue to struggle with anxiety symptoms. Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) has emerged as a promising alternative for those seeking relief. In this comprehensive guide, we will delve into the world of TMS therapy for anxiety, debunk myths surrounding its effectiveness, and present the facts that can help you make an informed decision about this innovative treatment.

What Is TMS For Anxiety?

So, does TMS work for anxiety? Let’s start by demystifying TMS. Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation, or TMS, isn’t some sci-fi concept; it’s a real-life, non-invasive procedure that taps into the power of magnetic fields to gently nudge specific parts of your brain. Originally designed to help with depression, TMS has been under the research spotlight, and guess what? It’s showing some impressive potential in the realm of anxiety treatment. So, let’s keep the curiosity flowing as we explore the myths and facts surrounding this innovative therapy.

Myth Vs. Fact: TMS And Anxiety

Myth #1: TMS Is Only Effective For Depression

One common misconception about TMS is that it’s exclusively effective for treating depression. While it was initially developed and approved for depression, research and clinical experience have demonstrated its potential benefits for anxiety disorders as well. TMS works by modulating neural activity in the brain, making it a versatile tool for various mental health conditions, including anxiety.

Fact: TMS Can Be Effective for Anxiety

Several studies and clinical trials have shown that TMS can significantly reduce symptoms in various anxiety disorders, such as Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD), Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD), and Social Anxiety Disorder (SAD). The key lies in targeting the right brain regions associated with anxiety, and TMS therapy can precisely accomplish this task.

Myth #2: TMS Is Painful And Unsafe

Another myth is that TMS is a painful or unsafe procedure. In reality, TMS is considered a well-tolerated and safe treatment option. During a TMS session, patients typically experience a tapping or clicking sensation on their scalp, but this discomfort is generally mild. TMS is non-invasive, meaning it doesn’t require surgery or anaesthesia, and it doesn’t induce seizures.

Fact: TMS Is Safe and Generally Painless

TMS for anxiety is performed in an outpatient setting, and most patients can resume their daily activities immediately after a session. It has a minimal risk of side effects, with the most common being mild scalp discomfort or headache, which usually subsides quickly. TMS therapy sessions are closely monitored by trained professionals to ensure safety and effectiveness.

Myth #3: TMS Is A Quick Fix

Some individuals may expect TMS to provide instant relief from anxiety symptoms. While TMS can be highly effective, it is not a one-size-fits-all solution, and results may vary from person to person. It is essential to have realistic expectations and commit to a recommended TMS anxiety treatment plan.

Fact: TMS Requires a Treatment Plan

TMS for anxiety typically involves a series of sessions over several weeks. The exact number of sessions and their frequency may vary based on individual needs and the severity of the anxiety disorder. Patience and consistency are essential for achieving the best results with TMS.

Myth #4: TMS Is Expensive And Not Covered By Insurance

Cost can be a significant concern for those considering TMS. However, many insurance plans now cover TMS therapy for various mental health conditions, including anxiety. It’s crucial to check with your insurance provider to determine coverage and potential out-of-pocket expenses.

Fact: TMS May Be Covered by Insurance

Due to the increasing recognition of TMS as an effective treatment for mental health conditions, insurance coverage has expanded. Some patients may find that their insurance covers a substantial portion of TMS therapy for anxiety costs, making it more accessible.

Myth #5: TMS Is A Last Resort

Another misconception is that TMS should only be considered when all other treatment options have failed. While TMS is sometimes recommended after other treatments have been ineffective, it can also be a viable choice as a first-line treatment for anxiety disorders, especially when individuals prefer non-medication options or have concerns about potential side effects.

Fact: TMS Can Be Considered at Any Stage

The decision to pursue TMS for anxiety should be based on an individual’s unique circumstances and preferences. It is not limited to being a last resort and can be discussed with a mental health professional at any stage of treatment planning.

Myth #6: TMS Results Are Temporary

Concerns about the temporary nature of TMS benefits can deter some from exploring this therapy. While individual responses may vary, many individuals experience long-lasting relief from anxiety symptoms after completing a full course of TMS treatment for anxiety.

Fact: TMS Can Provide Lasting Benefits

Research has shown that the positive effects of TMS on anxiety can persist for months to years after treatment. Some individuals may require maintenance sessions, but TMS has the potential to offer enduring relief from anxiety symptoms.

Summing Up

Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) isn’t just about tackling depression; it’s got a promising role in helping folks wrestling with anxiety disorders too. By shedding light on the myths surrounding TMS and getting the facts straight about its safety, effectiveness, and potential insurance coverage, we’re here to arm you with the knowledge you need to make smart choices about your mental health.

Now, let’s be real – TMS isn’t a magic wand that makes all your anxiety vanish in an instant. It’s more like a steady hand guiding you toward relief. It’s gentle, non-invasive, and generally well-tolerated. For many, it’s a ray of hope, offering a path to managing anxiety that doesn’t involve medications or complex procedures.

But here’s the golden rule: always lean on the expertise of a qualified mental health professional when considering TMS therapy for anxiety. They’re the compass guiding you through your unique mental health journey, helping you figure out if TMS is the right fit for your needs

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Ankita Tripathy

Ankita Tripathy loves to write about food and the Hallyu Wave in particular. During her free time, she enjoys looking at the sky or reading books while sipping a cup of hot coffee. Her favourite niches are food, music, lifestyle, travel, and Korean Pop music and drama.

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Why Cannabis Is Good For Health?

Cannabis, popularly known as marijuana is mainly used for recreational purposes. It's a herb whose consumption is totally illegal in most countries. Most people use cannabis just for pleasure, they do not know that marijuana or cannabis is not just only a drug which people use for recreational pleasure but it's a herb that contains a lot of health beneficiary substances. Yes, you heard right, cannabis is good for health. Cannabis is used for medical purposes full over 3000 years. With recreational marijuana being legalized all over the country and in different states, you can walk into any dispensary and buy weed. Or, you can always go online and Buy Weed Packs from credible product manufacturers. You can select from various strains and go with something that suits your pockets. Make sure that you check out the delivery options and payment modes. Whether you are looking to enjoy some ‘me time’ by unwinding after a long and hard day of work, or, want to chill with friends, you can opt for online orders. A little amount of cannabis will treat your various body diseases and will also prevent you from being a drug addict. You can consume cannabis for a good cause. You can extract the essential ingredients of cannabis through grinders, can inhale directly through bongs, vaporizers, etc. This equipment is available in the market as well as in online stores. Check this online store Headshop Headquarters to buy this equipment. Here you will get all head equipment in the best quality for the best price. Here are some points which will prove that how cannabis is good for your health. 1. It stimulating appetite Cannabinoids, a substance found in Cannabis have shown positive results in various research studies. As per the studies, people who take cannabinoids such as THC have a better appetite and sense of taste. Cannabis relaxes the mind and provides better sleep. Another study shows that Cannabis stops weight loss and increases hunger. 2. Stops nausea and vomiting Cannabis helps in reducing nausea and vomiting which are associated with chemotherapy. If taken in a limited amount, cannabis can be an effective medicine for controlling nausea and vomiting. 3. It treats inflammatory bowel diseases Cannabis is effective in treating inflammatory bowel diseases like ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease. It releases Chemicals such as THC and CBD that interact with the body's cells and plays an important role in immune function. 4. It prevents cancer Ingredients of Cannabis oil helps in reducing tumor and reduces the effect of cancer. It also helps people to fight cancer. 5. It reduces glaucoma Cannabis treats eye diseases much more effectively. It reduces glaucoma and stops macular degeneration. The cannabis oil works effectively on eyesight problems. 6. It helps in weight losing Cannabis regulates insulin production in our body and manages the intake of calories effectively and efficiently. Research studies show that Cannabis uses are much slimmer than those who do not consume it. 7. It protects the brain after a stroke As per the research studies, Cannabis is effective in protecting our brain from the damage that is caused due to a stroke. Cannabis provides neuroprotective effects that protect the brain from traumatic events. 8. It reduces anxiety and stress Cannabis is well-known anxiety and stress-reducing herb. It relaxes the mind and releases pleasure hormones and provides a sense of calmness to the people who consume it. 9. It provides better sleep The substances present in Cannabis are very much effective in reducing anxiety issues sleeping disorders and insomnia. It generates a low energy level by relaxing your body and mind and this low energy level slows down the heart rate and sends a message to your mind to get a peaceful long sleep. 10. It improves symptoms of lupus Cannabis is used in the treatment of Systemic Lupus Erythematous. In this disorder, people start harming their bodies for various unspecified reasons. The substances present in Cannabis calm the immune system which deals with lupus symptoms. 11. It reduces the pain of multiple sclerosis Cannabis prevents muscle spasms caused by multiple sclerosis. The Canadian Medical Association has proved that Cannabis is effective in reducing the pain of multiple sclerosis. 12. It reduces acne problems More than 9 % of the total population is suffering from acne problems. Acne is caused due to various factors such as microbes, overproduction of sebum, hereditary factors, et cetera. In Cannabis, an anti-inflammatory substance is present which treats acne. There is no side effect of this substance and is a fully safe method for acne treatment. Conclusion These points clearly show the beneficial effect of cannabis. Now it is proved that cannabis or marijuana is not only for recreational purposes, it contains health benefits too. Use cannabis for medical purposes and cure all your dangerous diseases. Read Also : Best Grow Tents For Growing Cannabis Lose Weight: What Is The Best Way To Lose Weight?

Treatments and home remedies to tackle tinnitus

What is tinnitus? The tinnitus is based on perceiving a sound that does not exist in the environment; it is often described as 'a buzzing, a beep, a noise' ... etc. It can be perceived in one ear, both ears and inside your head. The perception of tinnitus is more intense and constant in the silence of the night, in the absence of activities and other sounds or environmental noises that can mask it. The majority of tinnitus conditions are subjective and they are perceived exclusively by the patient, although around 5-10% are objective tones generated by parts of the body that can also be perceived by other people, especially by the specialist when exploring the patient (example: murmurs, pulse, etc., generated by the cardio-circulatory system). This is a common problem in the general population. It is estimated that around 30% of the adult population has perceived tinnitus at some point in their lives, and between 10-15% approximately experience them continuously. In general, the presence of tinnitus increases with age; it is more common in people over 40. This may continue in the future if the harmful effects of exposure to loud sounds and noises in young people are not controlled. How is it diagnosed? Although the diagnostic protocol may vary, it includes the following test: a specific clinical history of patients with tinnitus, questionnaires of subjective self-assessment, clinical examination, audiological tests, imaging studies and complementary tests depending on each case. The first step of the diagnostic protocol is to obtain information about the characteristics of tinnitus, its possible causes (for example: acoustic trauma, ototoxic, otitis, family history, hearing loss, vertigo, Meniêre's syndrome), its emotional consequences, (that is to say, emotional tension, anxiety, etc.), through a systematized clinical history. For patients to whom tinnitus affects them severely, the most commonly used treatments are: Home tinnitus remedies Pharmacological treatment Tinnitus Retraining Therapy (TRT) Hearing aids Noise generators Mixed hearing aids Psychological and/or psychiatric help Home tinnitus remedies Use warm towels This is a very old trick for those who are used to having all kinds of ringing in their ears. In addition to this, it is an effective formula that helps alleviate all tension, and it is very cheap to set a pot of water to boil or use the water from your own heater in the bathtub. Zinc Zinc or Iron are an important supplement in your diet; they help tinnitus disappear. Fresh pineapple Those who love home remedies will be pleased with the benefits of fresh pineapple because it is very efficient to help you solve any problems with ringing in the ears. It seems to be related to reducing the inflammatory processes in general. Pharmacological treatment There are numerous drugs used in the treatment of tinnitus: vasodilators, anxiolytics, antidepressants, corticosteroids, antiepileptic, diuretics, etc. Sometimes tinnitus is associated with other symptoms and alterations that can be treated pharmacologically. This is the case, for example, of patients with blood flow deficit affecting the inner ear, anxious-depressive problems, Menière's disease, autoimmune inner ear disease, acoustic trauma, sudden deafness, migraine, brain problems, etc. Retraining therapy (TRT) Tinnitus retraining therapy (TRT) is one of the most widely used treatments today and aims to reduce your sound perception and its consequences, including the reactions of emotional tension, anguish, fear, etc., thus favoring the patient's habituation to it. Headphones When tinnitus is associated with a hearing loss, the use of properly adapted hearing aids can be the most appropriate treatment. Hearing aids, in addition to correcting hearing loss, increase the perception of environmentally sound, avoiding strong silence. Noise generators One of the options to treat tinnitus is the use of sounds, which can be: environmental or natural sounds amplified by headphones and also sounds produced by white noise generators. White noise generators have the same shape as hearing aids and produce a broadband noise that is easy to get used to. Psychological treatment Some patients present psychological and emotional consequences that may be related to the onset and development of tinnitus and/or interfere with the habituation to it (e.g., stress, anxiety, depression, etc.) and their treatment is essential to reduce or minimize the perception of tinnitus. Read More: Smooth Discharge Before Period How To Remove Acne Scars Naturally How To Pick The Right Hair Brush For Different Hair Types Are Oncology Clinical Studies Facing Challenges?

Clay Masks for Smooth and Shiny Face

This is a simple do it yourself oxygenated facial mask that has perfluorocarbons that can dissolve carbon dioxide resulting in a bubbly like soda water. The more you use the facial clay mask likely you are to experience favorable results. After using the mask, it is advisable to leave your face free from any cosmetics for at least for 2 to 3 hours as this might contaminate your cleansing process. The bubble clay mask is affordable and easy to use. It makes sure that you achieve an acne-free face that does not have blackheads and it helps unclog your pores. They help to remove excess sebum and oil on your skin and getting rid of the dirt that may have accumulated on your skin. You should go through the instruction box and make sure that the ingredients that are used in the facial mask are healthy for you to use and they do not have an allergic reaction on your face. Always make certain that you adhere to the estimated period that you should leave the mask on your face. The ingredients of the facial mask include; purified water, allantoin, disodium cocoamphodiacetate TEA-cocoyl glutamate, green tea extracts, rosemary leaf extracts, charcoal powder, collagen, glycerine, bentonite, methyl perfluorobutyl ether, lauramide DEA, Methylparaben, sodium lauryl sulfate, propylene glycol, phenoxyethanol, butylene glycol, freesia leaf extracts, flavouring agents, lavender extracts, xanthan gum, Monardadidyma leaf extracts, peppermint leaf extracts, and chamomile flower extracts. It is made of both natural and chemical ingredients. How to use an oxygenated bubble clay mask: Use a gentle cleanser to clean your face and hands. Rinse your face with lukewarm water. Pat your face with a clean facial towel. Apply the clay mask on your face as you gently massage in a circular motion. When applying, avoid your eyes, nostrils, mouth, and hairline. Leave the mask on your face to dry for a maximum of 15 minutes or as per instructed on the masks manual or when the bubbles start to appear. Take off the mask as you massage your face to make sure that the mask gets in contact with all your facial pores and to melt away dirt. Rinse your face with lukewarm water. Dry your face with a clean soft towel. Moisturize your face with a moisturizer of your choice. Your face is exfoliated and helps get rid of the dead skin, leaving your face feeling smooth. It also helps in tightening your pores by unplugging. This helps you prevent clogged pores as it controls the sebum on your skin. The mask leaves your face feeling youthful and you are in a relatively good and improved mood. It leaves your face feeling moisturized. You should always take care of the skin at least thrice a week. The bubble mask is one of the facial care masks that are found in the market. It is suitable for both men and women. Read Also: Expert Doctor’s Treatments For Cystic Acne 5 Most Exciting Facial Treatments Of 2018 – For Smooth, Gorgeous Skin

TMS For Anxiety: Debunking Myths And Setting The Facts Straight

What Is TMS For Anxiety?

Myth Vs. Fact: TMS And Anxiety