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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10 Health Problems Eased by Yoga

Yoga originated over 4,000 years ago as a spiritual practice. Over time, however, health and wellness experts have found that there are many physical benefits as well. Now, yoga is as much of physical practice as it is a spiritual one. While yoga is not a substitute for traditional healthcare, as a compliment, it can help ease symptoms associated with a variety of health problems. According to the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NCCIH), people are increasingly using yoga to relieve pain, anxiety, stress, and to improve their overall health. So what are the health problems that yoga can help with? Put together by a Portland yoga studio, let’s take a look at 10 health conditions that researchers show yoga can ease. 10 Health Problems Eased by Yoga 1. Chronic Stress: Practicing yoga may be helpful in relieving chronic stress. A regular yoga practice can reduce your stress response and provide options for self-soothing and better management of stress. 2. Anxiety: A study in the Journal of Preventative Medicine shows that yoga can help reduce the symptoms of anxiety. When used alongside other treatment methods, it is helpful in reducing anxiety and helping patients manage their symptoms. 3. Heart Health: Practicing yoga has been shown in studies to reduce the risk of heart disease. When practiced as part of an overall healthy lifestyle, yoga can be used to improve heart health and reduce the risk of dangerous diseases. 4. Brain Health: Practicing yoga could be beneficial in improving brain health. Researchers report that people who practiced yoga for 14 years had thicker brain tissue in the areas responsible for memory and attention than their peers. 5. Chronic Back Pain: People who suffer from chronic back pain may find some relief through a regular yoga practice. Research shows that yoga can reduce back pain and improve mental health in people with chronic pain. Researchers note that yoga and other stretching exercises are both beneficial in this way. 6. Improve Balance: Yoga is a great way to improve balance. This is important, especially for older adults. Some studies suggest that a regular yoga practice can reduce the risk of falls in older adults. This is a promising option for older adults to get low-impact and meaningful exercise. 7. Thyroid Function: Research in Medical News Today suggests that stress can lead to improper thyroid function. Fortunately, practicing yoga can reduce stress, which in turn, helps improve thyroid function. Research is ongoing, but studies suggest yoga could potentially help ease medical conditions like hypo-and hyperthyroidism. 8. Diabetes: Research in the Journal of Clinical and Diagnostic Research shows that a regular yoga practice can reduce blood glucose (blood sugar) levels. For people with Type 2 diabetes, not only could they lower their glucose levels naturally, but they also may be slowing down progression of the disease. 9. Atrial Fibrillation: Atrial fibrillation is a heart condition where the upper chambers of the heart don’t contract as they should. This can cause symptoms like dizziness, palpitations, and shortness of breath. It also increases the risk of heart failure. Research shows, however, that practicing yoga at least twice weekly can improve symptoms. When added as part of a regular treatment plan, yoga can help improve heart function and manage stress. 10. Boost Immune System: Health conditions related to chronic stress account for 60 to 80 percent of all visits to primary care doctors. Several studies now show that practicing yoga can reduce stress, and as a result, also reduce the symptoms caused by it. Chronic stress and illness weaken the immune system, but a regular yoga practice could be the key to naturally averting some of these illnesses. As you can see, there are many benefits to practicing yoga. The next time you talk to your doctor, ask him or her about the possible benefits of adding yoga to your treatment plan. Is Yoga Enough Exercise? Yoga can be enough of an exercise, especially if you're looking to improve flexibility, balance, and strength. In fact, if you do it right, it helps build core muscles and tones the body while promoting relaxation. But if you have intense cardio or muscle-building goals, it might not be enough. In that case, coupling yoga with other cardio or muscle building exercises is the best way to go. Is 10 Minutes of Yoga Good? First, you must understand that building a yoga routine takes time. Therefore, you should begin with a ten-minute routine. So, yes, even if you only have 10 minutes, yoga can help you feel better, more flexible, and less stressed. It’s perfect for a midday break or to start your day on the right foot. Regular work in small doses adds up to big improvement. Yoga After Delivery? Yes, you can.... but....not right away! On the safe side we recommend waiting at least a few weeks after delivery to start yoga but it depends on the recovery. Post delivery yoga should focus on breathing & stretching lightly. Do not try to move your body too much! Yes, you won't be too flexible at that time (even if you do yoga beforehand). It is normal! Note: Please consult your doctor if your body is ready for physical activity & then only get back to regular yoga. What Yoga is Appropriate When Pregnant? Prenatal yoga is a type of yoga class that is specifically designed for pregnant women. Prenatal yoga classes are usually gentle and focus on breathing and relaxation techniques. If you’re pregnant, use our prenatal directory to find a prenatal yoga, then drop into a class. Finally: Can Yoga Help with Anxiety? Yes, yoga is great for anxiety! Yoga uses conscious breathing and movement to induce relaxation and calm the mind. Over time, this practice lowers stress hormones—making it an effective natural treatment for anxiety disorders. But both yoga and other forms of treatment are needed for optimal mental health benefits. However, over time, you must build consistency. You cannot do yoga occasionally for a month and expect a change. If you want to see some difference, whether physical or mental, you will have to keep going. Read Also: How To Live Stress-Free Effects of Anxiety on Heart Disease 5 Ways To Get Healthier In The New Year Some Famous People Who Have Battled with Depression 10 Tips on How to Ditch the Stress and Start Living a Peaceful Life

What is the Ideal CBD Dosage for You?

CBD is becoming a buzz nowadays, but there has been a lot of confusion and myths on the best way to use it. A lot of individuals tend to misuse this product by overdosing or consuming it for the wrong reasons. The truth is, CBD dosages vary depending on the type. You can access CBD in various forms such as CBD gummies Canada, edibles, or even CBD oil depending on your preference. The dosage may also be based on how experienced you are and if your body is used to it. Although there is no exact CBD dosing standardization or recommendation, the dosage varies from one person to the other, and therefore finding the right dosage requires you to do some bits of experimentation. What are some of the aspects that will determine your CBD dosage? Here are a few elements to consider. Check the concentration: Also referred to as the strength of CBD, concentration can be used to term the total amount or level of CBD contained in a particular product. The concentration is primarily measured in milligrams and to determine the right dosage; you need to check the amount of CBD per serving. Take an example where you have a bottle of the tincture Canada with a concentration of 750mg and consists of 15 milliliters of tincture and 0.5ml is the standard product serving. This means that every 0.5ml serving will have about 50mg of CBD and that will be the ideal dosage. Your weight: Yes, you read that right. Your body weight plays a significant role in determining how much CBD you need. Ideally, heavy people may need to use the product in high dosage to feel the effects while light people may only need a little bit of it and the effects kick in. What are you looking to achieve: The effects that you desire to accomplish by using CBD can also determine the right dosage for you. CBD comes with a range of perks which include helping in weight loss, helps in easing chronic pain, can be used to eliminate anxiety, depression, and insomnia and you can use CBD for health matters such as liver protection and to acquire anti-cancer properties. The right dosage for you will depend on which one of these you wish to achieve. For example, in the case of chronic pain, those in deep pain may need to use more of it to make the feeling go away faster. Also, it will depend on how your body reacts to the product. You could be using it to treat anxiety, but the anxiousness only goes away when you use a lot of it. People react differently, and it is good that you understand your body first. How tolerant are you? As time goes by, your body might become tolerant of CBD, and you will need to use it in large amounts to get the effects. Tolerance results in reduced effects of using a particular dosage, and you may need to increase it to experience the same impact. If you are wondering which is the best CBD oil dosage for you, check these factors and they will guide you in determining how much should work best for you. All the best! Read Also: 4 Advantages Of Using CBD Oils CBD The Solution To Insomnia What Is Cannabis Oil And How Does CBD Oil Work?

How Talcum Powder & Ovarian Cancer Is Related?

The latest report by the American Cancer Society states that ovarian cancer accounts for 2.5% of cancer cases in women. The risk of ovarian cancer is dependent upon a number of factors, spanning from genetics, age, lifestyle to environmental factors. But, certain studies such as the American Cancer Society have discovered a strong link between talcum powder & escalating cases of ovarian cancer worldwide. As per studies, 11.5 in every 100,000 people in the United States of America developed ovarian cancer, from 2010 to 2014. What Is Ovarian Cancer? Ovarian cancer is the rarest form of cancer that affects women’s reproductive mechanisms. This cancer type commences in the ovaries or in the fallopian tubes, connecting the ovaries to the womb. Ovarian cancer is graded by doctors in terms of stages 1 to 4, which is further determined by tumor size or if cancer has spread outside the ovary. Finally, the doctor will examine to identify the ovarian cancer type. This depends upon how the cancer cells respond to chemotherapy treatment-how fast they are growing. The type 1 ovarian cancer grows slowly but doesn't respond to the chemotherapy sessions, whereas the type 2 ovarian cancer develop quickly with chemotherapy. How Talcum Powder Is Responsible for Ovarian Cancer? Talcum powder is a common household baby care product widely used. Generally, talc is simply a mineral composed of silicon, magnesium, and oxygen. Owing to the talc ability to absorb moisture, it can also be applied to sensitive body areas. Now, now is the million-dollar question, can talcum powder contribute to ovarian cancer? What A Recent Study Published in the journal Epidemiology Says:- To quote the study published in the medical journal Epidemiology, talcum powder can significantly increase the risk of ovarian cancer to 33%, especially when used daily. However, further research work is needed to prove the relation between baby powder and ovarian cancer. In the meantime, the American Cancer Society did a thorough study investigating the alleged statements against the use of talcum powder. The bottom line of this study suggested limiting the use of cosmetic products that are rich in talc. Although the overall risk of developing ovarian cancer is low, it is a deadly gynecological cancer. So, it is vital to recognize the symptoms of ovarian cancer for early detection & diagnosis:- Common Signs and Symptoms Lower Abdominal Pain or Pressure Weight Gain or Weight Loss Abnormal Periods Gas, Nausea, or Vomiting Talcum Powder Lawsuits In the last couple of years, talcum powder cancer lawsuits are being filled by women diagnosed with ovarian cancer worldwide. Top names of the industry such as Johnson and Johnson are already facing thousands of talcum powder lawsuits and this is expected to increase with each passing year. Final Takeaway As with any form of cancer, it is crucial to take the precautions. Avoid the daily use of talcum powder, until we come across a convincing study revealing the clear-cut relation. In addition, it is essential to understand that everyone’s experience of cancer is distinct. Anyone with concerns relating to ovarian cancer symptoms, it is a no-brainer to speak to the doctor right away. Read Also: Early Symptoms And Signs Of Breast Cancer Can Breast Augmentation Cause Cancer? How To Sleep Better When You Have Cancer

TMS For Anxiety: Debunking Myths And Setting The Facts Straight

What Is TMS For Anxiety?

Myth Vs. Fact: TMS And Anxiety