While attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is commonly associated with children, the disorder affects 4% of the population over the age of 18 in the United States. For this segment of the population, functioning at work can be extremely difficult, and the traditional treatments for ADHD — stimulant medication — can further complicate the situation. It’s for this reason that many ADHD patients are looking for drug-free alternatives, and TMS may provide the key.
At Vital TMS Therapy, our team specializes in the use of this innovative treatment, which was cleared by the FDA to treat major depressive disorder. We’ve found success in widening the applications of TMS to treat a host of conditions, from ADHD to chronic pain.
Here’s a look at how TMS works and why it may present a drug-free alternative for treating your ADHD.
Behind TMS
As we mentioned above, TMS stands for transcranial magnetic stimulation, which is a technique in which we use rapid magnetic pulses to stimulate nerve cells in your brain. The nerve cells that we’re targeting are those that control your mood — through magnetic stimulation, we encourage the release of neurotransmitters that can stabilize and improve your mood.
Why TMS for ADHD?
If you’re struggling with ADHD, whether you were diagnosed as a child or newly diagnosed as an adult, you’ve likely tried some of the more traditional approaches to the condition, namely a stimulant like Ritalin®. While this type of medication can be effective, there are some unpleasant side effects that can come with its use, including:
- Insomnia
- Nausea
- Headache
- Vomiting
- Decreased appetite
As you can see by this list, these side effects can have a serious impact on your quality of life.
With TMS, you don’t have to take any drugs and the therapy is completely noninvasive. To enhance the patient experience, we use cutting-edge equipment called CloudTMS®, which features a thin, ergonomic coil which we place over your head during your TMS treatment.
During your treatment, the unit delivers the magnetic pulses in rapid succession while you sit in the chair. You may feel some slight tapping, but most patients don’t report any problems. In fact, studies have shown that TMS is perfectly safe.
Most of our patients benefit from five TMS treatment sessions per week over a six-week period, but this timeline can change depending upon your progress. As you make your way through your treatments, we routinely review your progress to make any necessary adjustments.
If you’re tired of relying on drugs to keep your ADHD from interfering with your life, contact our office in Washington, D.C., to learn how TMS may remedy the problem and whether you may be a good candidate.
