How Long Has TMS Been Used in OCD Treatment?

Ocd Treatment Massapequa, NY

Transcranial magnetic stimulation has emerged as one of the most innovative approaches to OCD treatment. The procedure consists of targeting regions of your brain with magnetic waves like the pulses used for magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) machines.

TMS therapy can be a game-changer for you if you are struggling with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), clinical depression, anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder, and a range of other mental health and behavioral issues. OCD is a behavioral health issue that is characterized by obsessive thoughts or compulsive behavior that take up hours of a person’s day.

As innovative as TMS therapy is, it has been around long enough to establish a clear record that demonstrates results. It was approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) as a treatment for depression in 2008.

The evolution of TMS as an OCD treatment

TMS treatments are non-invasive procedures that use magnetic waves to increase activity in areas of the brain that have become less active due to mental issues. During the treatment, a device that contains an electromagnetic coil is placed on the patient’s head. Turning the device on and off repeatedly sends pulses into the person’s brain. Sending these pulses repeatedly is called repetitive TMS.

The electromagnetic waves used for the treatment can permeate the scalp, muscles, and skull to reach the area of the brain being targeted. It provides a painless yet effective approach to treating mental health issues like OCD.

Stimulating the brain with electromagnetic waves helps to recalibrate neural pathways in the prefrontal cortex which is in charge of mood regulation. It helps to restore regular brainwave patterns and proper chemical balance in the brain.

The average TMS session lasts anywhere between 20 to 50 minutes. The first one is typically the longest since the therapist has to determine the patient’s thresholds before starting the treatment. TMS therapy usually involves getting five treatments per week for seven weeks. Most patients notice substantial improvements by the time they are done with all of their treatments.

History

The first TMS machine was developed in 1985, and it did not take long before it started being used as a tool for diagnosing and treating a wide range of health issues. TMS therapy has been studied since, and numerous trials have observed how effective it can be at alleviating the symptoms of OCD.

TMS has been approved as a treatment for depression by the FDA since 2008, and it has been approved for OCD treatment since 2018. TMS therapy tends to be effective when a more conventional approach to treating OCD like medication and psychotherapy have failed.  Many patients who are unable to bring their OCD under control with medication often have significant improvements after TMS therapy.

Take charge of your mental health

Ready to put the symptoms of OCD behind you? Call or visit our Massapequa clinic to learn more about how transcranial magnetic stimulation can be used to treat a wide range of mental health issues like obsessive-compulsive disorder.

Request an appointment here: https://www.evolvepsychiatry.com or call Evolve Psychiatry at (631) 773-1096 for an appointment in our Massapequa office.

Check out what others are saying about our services on Yelp: OCD Treatment in Massapequa, NY.

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