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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3 Tips for choosing the right sports bra for you

It’s been widely said that "people exercise to enjoy the quality of life.” This quote by H. Cooper reminds me of how much people are inclined towards working out great exercises. Not only is it for men and kids but also for women. Exercising is a basic part of every person’s daily routine. Burning calories is arduous and painful yet the result is worth putting heavy doses of efforts. A proper workout experience can get ruined if the trainee is not wearing comfortable briefs. Especially for a woman, the prime importance is given to wearing a comfortable sports bra. During heavy workouts like running or jogging breast bobs (the movement of up and down) in a butterfly pattern. The best benefit of wearing a good sports bra is that it reduces the bobs and helps us to comfortably focus on our workout. Wearing an unsupported plus size sports bra can lead to many serious complications. Woman’s breast is made up of soft tissues that need proper support while workouts. Here are 3 major tips to choose the right sports bra for you: Adjustable back closure : Proper fitting of a sports bra is a must and one must check before purchasing it. Proper fitting of sports bra gives immense confidence and comfortability to women engaged in workouts. It saves us from all those awkward bounces of which every woman is conscious of. It’s rare amongst woman to find a proper fitting of the sports bra. One will always have to make it fit through those 3 hooks there at the back. Remember that any changes in one hook give up to 1.5'' of adjustment. Sports bra having 3 hooks must be the first preference. One should never wash sports bra in a dryer because the material loses the elastic very soon. Some sports bras are not pocket-friendly due to which you will always wish them to last long. In huge markets, sports bra of different colors and prints are likely to easily gain our attention. The sports bra with strips at the back is commonly used mainly because of the fashion perspective but also because it gives desired fitting. You can prefer a sports bra that crisscrosses in the back as it provides proper support to the breast. It’s noticed that most of the women have an ideology that bra support comes from its cup. Well, it’s a myth. The truth lies in the selection of sports bra size that depends on the cup size which you wear regularly. Straps that are adjustable : As mentioned above, the back straps are adjustable so one will have to adjust it according to their comfort and bust size. There no doubt that sports bra not pocket-friendly and that we all wish that it can be used for a long period of time. Keeping that in mind here is a pro tip for you; you should never use the dryer for a sports bra as it looses the elastic very quickly. Always wash it with hand and lay it out to dry. Cups that provide privacy and good shape : Comfort is the first thought that tickles in our mind when it comes to buying a sports bra. A cup fitted bra does matter because it gives a perfect fitting. A heavy workout leads to very fast movements whether it’s jumping, skipping or running. Any kind of stretch in bust can lead to many serious issues. The customary or local sports bra cannot sustain in heavy workouts and make you feel awkward due to unnecessary movements in a bust. You should replace sports bra regularly like if you work out for three days in a week then you must have a 2-3 sports bra. But if you prefer to work out 6 times a week then you must have 5-6 of them. The plastic used in Sports Bra gets loose very easily so if you have a large chest then you must look for the bras with wide shoulder straps and back straps. Deep necks Sports Bra having deep neck must be avoided because while performing floor exercises like push-ups, there is a tendency of women getting conscious if their cleavage is viewable or not. To avoid such situations, the proper sports bra must be selected. You should visit an ideal specialist shop to buy a sports bra as they have a huge variety of sports bra collection. If you have a large chest, you need a sports bra which gives the right support. Choosing the right fabric must be the first priority because selecting a wrong fabric can lead to itching and other skin issues. Make sure that you avoid 100% cotton sports bra as they get wet once you start sweating. Make sure to keep all these important points in mind while deciding which sports bra to wear. Happy workouts!

How You Can Effectively Ease Pain Caused by Braces: Top Tips

Many people who have braces for the first time go through a period of adjustment, and this is entirely normal. You will have to get used to having your braces, of course, and this comes with getting used to eating with braces as well as getting used to cleaning your teeth with braces. But when you have braces, especially when they are first installed, you may also experience a little discomfort, since the wires and brackets of the braces may be rubbing against the tissue of the mouth. If you are experiencing some pain with your braces, here’s how you can effectively ease the pain. Make use of orthodontic wax: Braces can be quite abrasive at the beginning, especially since you’re not used to them yet, so one effective solution would be to make use of orthodontic wax. You can simply apply a bit of the wax to areas where the braces’ wires and brackets come in contact with soft tissue, such as that along your inner cheeks and lips. When you apply the wax to these areas, it can serve as a barrier between the tissue and your braces. With proper application, you can prevent sores, abrasions, and cuts as well. Use a pain reliever or gel: Of course, you can also take some over-the-counter pain relievers to help relieve the pain from the braces, but you can make use of an analgesic gel which you can apply orally as well. Directly apply the analgesic gel to your teeth and gums to help alleviate discomfort. Make use of a night guard: If the pain from your braces is bad and you would also like to prevent a breakdown or damage to the enamel of your teeth from grinding, you can make use of a night guard as well. A night guard is effective because you can go for special customized ones which can really help ease the pain related to having braces. Night guards work much like orthodontic wax in the sense that they can serve as a shield and barrier between the sensitive tissue in your mouth and your braces, as the experts from http://www.braces4yourlife.com confirm. When you wear a night guard, you can prevent different areas from becoming snagged or caught on your braces while you are sleeping. And while you can go for a one-size-fits-all, generic mouth guard, it would be a better idea to opt for a customized night guard as this will fit precisely with the contours of your own mouth. Your orthodontist can easily create a mold for your mouth which will serve as a unique pattern for the night guard. This impression or mold can then be sent off to the lab, where they can create and fabricate the customized night guard. The good news is that living with braces will get easier over time, so you don’t have too much cause for concern. Before you know it, your teeth will be perfectly aligned and even, and you will not only have a better smile – you will have better oral health as well. Read Also: 18 Surprising Celebrities With Braces 5 Ways To Prevent Severe Dental Problems

Marathon Training Section. Breaking Through the Wall

Every runner knows what “to hit the wall” means and almost every runner lives in fear of it interfering with their race. During a marathon hitting the wall is the main problem, thus, breaking through wall is the number one priority as the success with the race depends on it. The wall is considered as the most difficult period in a marathon when things transition from being just hard to being really very-very hard. It is a specific runner`s condition of sudden fatigue and loss of energy. For most runners, the latest 6.2 miles (or 10-K) of the marathon are commonly the toughest part of the race when the legs feel like if they are made of cement, when the stomach is queasy, the head starts getting dizzy and negative thoughts flood the mind. The wall is hard to describe to a non-runner as it`s something that needs to experience to understand. Jerome Drayton, winner of the 81st Boston Marathon, said it best: “To describe the agony of the marathon to someone who's never run it is like trying to explain the color to someone who was born blind.” Some athletes call it “wall”, some also call this state “bonking”. But it doesn't really matter how to call it, it`s more importantly, what to do about it, namely, how to break through the wall and reach the finish line first. The key to avoiding the wall or at least minimizing its impact on your race is understanding what`s going on in your body and preparing yourself for it with proper training, intelligent race management, right nutrition and appropriate hydration strategies. Prepare Your Body For The Race If you include the long training runs in your training program you'll be able to train your body for the marathon. Your long runs are the best training for avoiding the wall as they will condition your muscle for a marathon distance. By the way, they help you build your endurance and make your muscles more injury resistant. You have to experience and stimulate the exertion of the marathon every day, preferably 16 weeks before it. Your long runs should be done slowly (at least 2 minutes per mile) than the marathon pace. Remember, here your goal isn't a distance, here your goal is duration! For example, if you run training commonly lasts 4:30 hours, your long run should last 4 hours (it means 3 hours of long runs in the morning and an additional hour in the evening). Analyze Nutrition Matters When your aim is to win the marathon you have to draw your attention to the right nutrition strategy. If you prepare your muscles with daily progressive long runs that's great, but don't forget your muscles are fueled by using the combination of fat and glycogen. The harder you're pushing yourself, the more fuel your body needs. So you should eat before the marathon and during it! At least 300 calories you need to take in an hour before the race to raise your blood sugar level and help your brain concentrate on the task. Then every hour of the marathon you should consume about 200 calories. That can be candy, a banana, cookies, energy gels or an energy bar. It would be better if you work out what fuel is easiest for you to transport, use and digest before the race. Drink More Often It`s equally important to stay hydrated during the marathon. When you lose water through sweat, your overall blood volume is decreased and that's why there's less blood available to carry oxygen to your muscles. So dehydration also leads to the marathon wall. Try not to pass the early water stops even if you feel that you're not thirsty! By the time your body tells you it's thirsty, you're already dehydrated. You have to drink two 8-ounce glasses of water or sports drink 2 hours before the marathon and take in 6 to 8 ounces of water or sports drink at every water station every 15-20 minutes of the race (of course, depending on the weather conditions, your body size and sweat rate). This will help you avoid dehydration so your blood will move smoothly from your heart to your leg muscles, providing the oxygen to those muscles and shuttling waste products away. By the way, consuming enough fluids keeps sweat flowing that cools you down and helps you ease muscle cramps. Don`t be afraid to lose your precious time, just stop and drink. These few seconds will pay off further. Follow Proper Marathon Race Management The biggest and most common marathon race mistake is to start the marathon too fast. Of course, you feel so strong and full of energy early in the race, so you tend to run too fast. Don`t do that, in no case! If you want to cross the finish line you have not to overestimate your potential. Keep in mind that you have to save your energy for the last 6 miles. Use Head Games To Reach The Finish Line To make the last 6 miles easier you shouldn't focus on how your body is feeling or your fatigue, if anything, you can visualize yourself in another situation and try to dissociate. For example, don`t concentrate on the race you may imagine yourself by the sea or visualize achieving your goal. The main thing is to think of something nice and you'll cross the finish line before you know it! As you see with the right training program and racing techniques, proper nutrition, hydration and mental strategies you can easily make the last 6 miles of your marathon and defeat the wall once and for all. Read More : Why Jumping On Trampolines Is More Beneficial Than Running Or Jogging? How To Train Your Brain With Math Yoga For Pregnant Women Helen Rogers is an editor of http://thecrossfitshoes.com/ She helps people get stronger. She shares running and sports questions, beauty tips. All her stories are result-oriented and make her readers become healthy, wealthy and wise.

TMS For Anxiety: Debunking Myths And Setting The Facts Straight

What Is TMS For Anxiety?

Myth Vs. Fact: TMS And Anxiety