Do you suffer from OCD? If so, you know how difficult it can be to manage the condition. There are many treatment options available, but not all of them work for everyone. In this article, we will discuss a new treatment option that is gaining popularity among people who suffer from OCD: transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS). TMS is a non-invasive procedure that uses magnets to stimulate the brain. It has been shown to be effective in treating many conditions, including OCD. We will discuss how TMS works, and how you can use it to treat your OCD symptoms.
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What Is TMS For OCD?
TMS is a non-invasive, FDA-cleared therapy that uses magnetic pulses to stimulate nerve cells in the brain. It refers to a specific type of TMS, known as repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS). This is different from other types of TMS that are used for depression and migraines.
RTMS specifically targets the area of the brain thought to be involved in OCD. This area is called the anterior cingulate cortex (ACC). The ACC is responsible for a variety of functions, including regulating emotions, decision making, and controlling impulses.
As, OCD is characterized by intrusive thoughts, or obsessions, that lead to repetitive behaviors, or compulsions. These can be both mental and physical actions. People with OCD often feel that they must perform their compulsions in order to relieve anxiety or prevent something bad from happening.
Therefore, the condition of OCD can be extremely debilitating and have a major impact on a person’s quality of life. And, where TMS for OCD comes in.
TMS for OCD is a promising new treatment that shows great promise in helping people to reduce their symptoms and improve their quality of life. If you or someone you know suffers from OCD, consider seeking out a qualified TMS provider to see if this treatment could be right for you.
How Does TMS For OCD Works?
TMS for OCD works by using magnetic pulses to stimulate certain areas of the brain. The treatment is usually given for four to six weeks, with each session lasting for about an hour. The number of sessions and the intensity of the pulses can be varied depending on the severity of the OCD symptoms.
One of the most common questions we get asked is how TMS for OCD works. In short, TMS uses magnetic pulses to stimulate key areas of the brain that are known to be involved in mood regulation and anxiety disorders. By stimulating these areas, we can help improve communication between different regions of the brain and reduce OCD symptoms.
Moreover, people ask why this treatment is more promising. So, TMS is a promising treatment option for OCD because it is:
- Non-invasive
- Does not require anesthesia
- Is well tolerated by most people
- Can be done on an outpatient basis
These are some of the finest characterizations of a treatment. In fact, this is one of the reasons why TMS has been found to be a more promising treatment option for OCD.
What Are FDA Approved “Recipes” Of TMS For OCD?
FDA is the US Food and Drug Administration. They are the ones who approve medications for use in the United States. The FDA has specifically cleared certain ways or combinations to use the device of TMS.
So, the so-called TMS “recipe” that is approved by FDA is;
- dTMS devise, that is specifically the Brainsway device,
- Frequency of 20 Hz to the left prefrontal cortex,
- The intensity of 110% motor threshold,
- Session duration of 30 minutes for 19 days.
This TMS recipe is effective for treating OCD. In fact, in one study it was shown that this FDA-approved recipe reduced OCD symptoms by 50%. That is a very significant number. If you or a loved one suffers from OCD, please consult with a qualified physician about whether TMS may be right for you.
Moreover, it is important to do because not every TMS device or combination is FDA-approved. In other words, some “recipes” of TMS are not backed by science or safety data. So please be sure to ask your doctor whether the specific recipe they are recommending has been cleared by the FDA.
What Are The Benefits of TMS For OCD?
The benefits of TMS for OCD are still being studied, but the preliminary results are very encouraging. In one study, half of the participants who received TMS saw a significant reduction in their OCD symptoms. And, of those who responded to treatment, most continued to see improvements even after treatment ended.
So, there are some of the key benefits of TMS for OCD that have been observed so far. These include;
- Reduced OCD symptoms
- Improved quality of life
- Enhanced functioning
- Reduced anxiety levels
If you or someone you know is struggling with OCD, TMS may be a treatment option worth considering. Be sure to discuss it with your doctor to see if it’s right for you.
Although TMS is a safe and non-invasive treatment option that has been proven to be effective in treating OCD. If you are looking for an alternative to traditional treatments. Then, TMS may be the right choice for you. Schedule a consultation with us today to learn more about TMS and how it can help you overcome OCD.
What Are The Risks of TMS For OCD?
The risks of TMS are very low and most people tolerate the treatment well. Some of the risks associated with TMS for OCD are;
- The most common side effect is mild headaches.
- There is a small risk (less than one percent) of seizure with TMS.
- Scalp discomfort is common during treatment.
- There is a very small risk of mania with TMS.
A risk of TMS is that it may not work for everyone, but fortunately, there are other effective treatments for OCD. Overall, TMS is a very safe and well-tolerated treatment for OCD. And this is the one that people widely recommend the people with OCD.
Moreover, there are people who should not consider this treatment for OCD. Some of these include;
- People with implanted metal devices in their head
- That woman who is pregnant and breastfeeding
- People who have active suicidal thoughts.
If you think TMS for OCD is right for you, talk to your doctor. They can help you weigh the risks and benefits of this treatment and make a decision that is best for you. And if you are looking for more information on TMS for OCD, check out our other blog posts or contact us today. We’re here to help!
What Other Treatments Are Available For OCD?
There are many different types of treatments available for OCD, and the most effective approach depends on the individual. Some people may benefit from medication, while others may find relief through therapy or a combination of both.
Medication
Medication is often used to help manage the symptoms of OCD. Commonly prescribed medications include antidepressants, anti-anxiety medications, and antipsychotics. These medications can help to lessen the intensity of obsessions and compulsions, making it easier to manage them. There are several options of medication available, and it is important to work with a psychiatrist to find the one that is best for you.
However, some of these medications are;
- Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs)
- Serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs)
- Tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs)
- Monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs)
These medications work by increasing the levels of serotonin in the brain. And believed to be the best help in controlling OCD symptoms.
Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS)
DBS, or deep brain stimulation, is a surgical treatment that involves the implantation of electrodes into the brain. These electrodes deliver electrical impulses to specific areas of the brain that are thought to be involved in OCD. DBS is usually only considered when other treatments have failed to provide relief.
Moreover, deep brain stimulation is a very serious surgery with a number of risks and side effects. It is important to discuss all of the potential risks and benefits with your doctor before deciding if this treatment is right for you.
Psychotherapy
Psychotherapy, also known as talk therapy, is often used to treat OCD. It can help people learn more about their disorder and find ways to cope with their symptoms. Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) is a type of psychotherapy that has been shown to be particularly effective in treating OCD. It also involves ERP, which is a type of exposure and response prevention. ERP is believed to work by helping people confront their fears and learn to control their compulsions.
Other types of psychotherapy that may be helpful in treating OCD include:
- Acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT)
- Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT)
- Family-based therapy
- Psychodynamic therapy
These are all different types of therapies that can help people with OCD. You can start with Mantra Care for therapists specializing in OCD. Book your free consultation today for more information.
Support Groups
Support groups provide an opportunity for people with OCD to share their experiences and offer support to one another. These groups can be helpful in providing information and motivation, as well as helping people feel less alone. There are many different types of support groups available, including online groups, local chapters of national organizations, and therapeutic groups led by mental health professionals.
Moreover, support groups are believed to be helpful because they provide;
- A sense of community
- Emotional support
- Motivation
- Information and resources
If you are interested in finding a support group, there are several ways to do so. You can search online, ask your doctor or mental health professional, or look for groups in your local community.
OCD can be a very debilitating disorder, but there are treatments available that can help. If you or someone you know is struggling with OCD, please reach out for help.
Conclusion
To conclude, TMS for OCD is a highly effective treatment option that can provide patients with long-lasting relief from their symptoms. If you or someone you know is struggling with OCD, be sure to talk to a qualified mental health professional about whether TMS may be right for you.
If you found this guide helpful, please share it with others who may benefit from learning more about TMS for OCD. Thanks for reading!
A Word From Mantra Care
Your mental health — your psychological, emotional, and social well-being — has an impact on every aspect of your life. Positive mental health essentially allows you to effectively deal with life’s everyday challenges.
At Mantra Care, we have a team of therapists who provide affordable online therapy to assist you with issues such as depression, anxiety, stress, relationship, OCD, LGBTQ, and PTSD. You can take our mental health test. You can also book a free therapy or download our free Android or iOS app.
