How Does TMS therapy Help to Treat and Reduce OCD Symptoms?
Sarbani Maitra, MD is a board eligible psychiatrist at Savant Care. She has a Bachelors in Science from Tennessee Technological University in Chemistry leading up to her doctorate in medicine from the American University of the Caribbean Medical School. She then went on to gain clinical experience at Queen’s Hospital (erstwhile... more
Around 2.2 million people in the US are affected by obsessive-compulsive disorder or OCD. Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) is an FDA-approved non-invasive brain stimulation technique that has given relief to thousands of people suffering from depression and OCD. Usually, people opt for this treatment when they do not get any relief from conventional therapies.
When should you try TMS therapy to treat OCD?
There are several types of effective treatments for obsessive-compulsive disorder, which is characterized by obsessions or compulsions or both. When people do not respond to conventional treatments, they can try TMS therapy to reduce depression symptoms or OCD symptoms.
1. If you suffer from OCD, then here are a few signs to find out if TMS therapy is the right option for you.
2. You have tried conventional medical treatments for OCD but have not observed any significant improvement.
3. Medications and different types of psychotherapy have not reduced your OCD symptoms.
4. You have tried many other types of treatments, but there is no relief.
How does TMS therapy help to reduce OCD symptoms?
OCD is not just an individual’s obsession with tidiness, symmetry, cleanliness, and so on. It is a complex medical condition that interferes with daily life and social relationships with others. TMS therapy can help to reduce the symptoms and make you feel better.
There are two types of TMS therapy. The first one is the Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation, and the second one is the Deep Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation. Let us discuss how these two types of TMS therapy help to reduce OCD symptoms.
Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation
It is a comparatively non-invasive procedure where a small device is placed directly on the skull. The device is sealed and has a coil of wire that transpires electricity via a magnetic field. This therapy is called repetitive because the electromagnetic field generates mild magnetic pulses. They have a therapeutic effect on the activity level of the neurons, and that somehow helps to reduce the symptoms of OCD.
The erratic activity of neurons is often linked with various mental illnesses like OCD. The electromagnetic stimulation helps to normalize the activity level of the neurons in the brain. Usually, OCD patients have certain parts of their brains, which are overactive. Their brains enter a stage called hyperconnectivity.
When the brain is in the hyperconnectivity stage, its communication and activity level flare-up in many regions. And that leads to intrusive thoughts and compulsive behavior, which are major characteristics of OCD. It increases anxiety, and the worst part is that people are often unable to control them on their own.
It is tough to predict the exact number of sessions that one needs in TMS therapy. Much depends on the treatment protocol. The doctor is the best person to tell you about it.
Deep Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation
It is another type of TMS therapy where an H-coil is placed directly on the skull, and that generates a magnetic field penetrating the brain.
How is Deep Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation Different From the Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation?
First of all, the Deep Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation uses the H-coil, and secondly, the electromagnetic stimulation penetrates deeply into the brain. The FDA approved Deep Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation as a treatment for OCD back in 2018.
Can TMS therapy provide a permanent solution to your OCD?
TMS therapy can help to lower your OCD symptoms significantly and improve your life in the long run. However, there is still no concrete evidence that you will be completely cured of OCD.
OCD can still be there in your life. However, TMS therapy may help you feel less overwhelmed. You can manage the OCD symptoms in a much better way.
Tips to Get the Best Results from TMS therapy for OCD:
If you have OCD, then you can use the following tips to get the best results.
1. Act as per the doctor’s advice - The doctor knows your mental condition. As such, you should act as per his or her advice. Follow the guidelines that he or she gives you.
2. Be regular and consistent - You may have to attend many sessions over a specific period. You should have patience and perseverance for that. You should attend all the sessions to get the best results.
3. Check if it is insured - The cost of the TMS therapy may vary between $230 and $334. Based on the treatment protocol and your mental condition, you may have to attend 20 to 30 sessions a year. As such, you must check if your insurer covers TMS therapy. There are still many insurance companies in the country that do not offer any coverage for TMS therapy. So, it is better to check out the facts first.
What are the side effects of TMS therapy?
TMS therapy is safe. However, there are a few mild side-effects of TMS therapy. For example, you may have a headache, or, you may feel sleepy. However, these are short-term side effects. They will go away soon after undergoing therapy.
Conclusion
TMS is a safe and alternative treatment for OCD. It has a minimum of side-effects. Plus, you do not have to be anesthetized or hospitalized. Even electromagnetic pulses are painless. So, you do not need to worry about anything. TMS therapy allows you to get rid of unwanted thoughts and lead a fulfilling life. So, you can go for it if your doctor recommends this therapy.
