Depression and anxiety are the two most common mental illnesses in the United States. A quick look at stats from the Anxiety & Depression Association of America reveals some sobering information:
- 40 million Americans suffer from an anxiety disorder, but only 60% of them receive treatment
- Depression is the No. 1 cause of disability throughout the world
- 19 million Americans have specific phobias
- 7.7 million have post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
- 16.1 million suffer from major depressive disorder
- 21.8 million have a generalized and social anxiety disorder
Fortunately, those who seek treatment often realize significant improvement. Psychotherapy and cognitive behavioral therapy are two types of talk therapy that have proven effective for both depression and anxiety. Certain medications can also help ease the severity and frequency of the symptoms.
For those whose depression or anxiety aren’t improved by these traditional treatments, however, transcranial magnetic stimulation, or TMS, may be the answer.
Our team of mental health professionals at Vital TMS Therapy in Washington, DC, and Chevy Chase, Maryland, offers a highly personalized treatment experience based on integrative techniques. We specialize in treating mental health problems with TMS, a noninvasive, pain-free, and drug-free approach to healing and wholeness.
Effects of depression or anxiety on the brain
When you suffer from anxiety or depression, it not only causes mood swings and affects you psychologically, it may also alter the physical aspects of your brain. These conditions may cause:
- Brain inflammation
- Brain shrinkage
- Structural changes
- Oxygen restriction
All of these factors affect how your brain functions. TMS can counter some of those changes by targeting the portion of your brain that controls your moods and reactivating areas that have been altered. It’s completely customizable.
How TMS works
TMS stimulates nerve cells in your brain through repetitive magnetic pulses. These magnetic pulses trigger your brain cells to release neurotransmitters that can help relieve anxiety and depression.
The magnetic pulses boost the release of endorphins and dopamine in your system, effectively overriding your brain’s commands. This helps stabilize and improve your moods.
How TMS therapy feels
During your TMS session, you remain fully clothed and fully alert as you sit comfortably in a chair. There are no injections or medications required, as the treatment is painless and noninvasive. Many who undergo TMS report feeling a tapping sensation as the magnetic pulses enter and pass through to the brain.
TMS therapy is very safe and has few to no side effects other than some scalp sensitivity and a slight headache after the treatment. At Vital TMS Therapy, we trust the accuracy and effectiveness of the CloudTMS® system, which is FDA-approved for the treatment of major depressive disorder and used all over the world to treat many other mental health conditions, including anxiety.
During treatment, we hover a small device, about the size of your hand, over your head. The average TMS treatment lasts about 20 minutes, and you should expect to come in for additional sessions Monday-Friday for seven weeks.
How to get started with TMS therapy
If you or a loved one feels that depression or anxiety is controlling your life because traditional treatments aren’t working, you may be a good candidate for TMS. To find out, call us during office hours or use our online tool anytime to request a consultation.
