TMS Treatment OCD
Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)
TMS treatment OCD: Obsessive-compulsive disorder(OCD) is an anxiety disorder in which patients have repeating, undesirable contemplations, thoughts or sensations (fixations) that make them feel driven to accomplish something drearily (impulses).
Thus, these repetitive compulsions such as cleaning, checking, arranging and ordering can significantly interfere with persons daily activities and social interactions.
Who gets OCD
It is estimated that OCD occurs in around 1.1% of the general population in the UK. (Mentalhealth.org.uk)
In other words, 12 out of every 1,000 people suffer from OCD. However, the actual number may be higher due to many people suffering in silence.
What are the symptoms of OCD
OCD can have an assortment of symptoms ranging from physiological to mental. These shift from patient to patient. People with OCD may have manifestations or fixations, impulses, or both. Also, Fixations are rehashed contemplations, inclinations, or mental pictures that cause anxiety.
Obsessions
Obsessions are repetitive and tenacious contemplations, driving forces, or pictures that reason troubling feelings, for example, uneasiness or nauseate. Numerous individuals with OCD perceive that the musings, driving forces, or pictures are a result of their brain and are unnecessary or outlandish. However, these intrusive thoughts can’t be settled by rationale or thinking. A great many people with OCD attempt to disregard or smother such obsessions or counterbalance them with some other idea or activity.
Compulsions
Compulsions are repetitive practices or mental acts that an individual feels headed to perform in light of an obsession. The practices are planned for forestalling or lessening trouble or a dreaded circumstance. In the most extreme cases, a consistent reiteration of customs may fill the day, making an ordinary routine unimaginable. Also, aggravating the anguish these ceremonies cause is the knowledge that the impulses are irrational.
Some examples of compulsions:
- Checking
- Repeating
- Cleaning
- Ordering and arranging
- Mental Compulsions
TMS Treatment for OCD
Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) uses electromagnetic coils to deliver focused magnetic pulses to specific brain areas. In the context of treating Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD), TMS typically targets regions of the brain that are thought to be involved in the pathophysiology of OCD, such as the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC), the anterior cingulate cortex (ACC), Supplementary Motor Area (SMA).
Personalised Treatment Method: Before beginning TMS treatment, The rTMS Centre uses neuroimaging techniques such as qEEG to identify the specific brain regions that are overactive or underactive in individuals with OCD. These regions often include the DLPFC, ACC and SMA, which are involved in cognitive control and emotional regulation.
The magnetic pulses delivered during TMS treatment modulate neural activity in the targeted brain regions. In the case of OCD, the goal is to normalise the activity of these regions, which are thought to be dysregulated in individuals with the disorder. By modulating neural activity, TMS may help alleviate OCD symptoms such as intrusive thoughts, compulsive behaviours, and anxiety.
Neuroplasticity and Long-Term Effects: TMS treatment may induce neuroplastic changes in the brain, leading to long-term improvements in OCD symptoms. These changes may include alterations in synaptic connectivity, neurotransmitter levels, and neural network function. Some studies have suggested that the effects of TMS treatment for OCD can persist beyond the duration of the treatment course, resulting in sustained symptom relief.
Benefits of TMS Treatment for OCD
Non-Invasive: TMS is a non-invasive procedure that does not require surgery or anaesthesia. It involves the use of magnetic fields to stimulate specific areas of the brain associated with OCD symptoms.
Minimal Side Effects: Compared to some medications used to treat OCD, TMS generally has fewer and milder side effects. Common side effects may include mild headache or scalp discomfort, but these typically subside after the treatment session.
Effectiveness: While individual responses to TMS may vary, research has shown that TMS can be effective in reducing OCD symptoms for patients, particularly those who have not responded well to other treatments such as medication or therapy. At The rTMS Centre we have an 80% response rate for patients with OCD disorder.
Adjunct to Other Therapies: TMS can be used as an adjunct to other OCD treatments, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) or medication. Combining TMS with other therapies may enhance treatment outcomes for some individuals.
Improvement in Quality of Life: By reducing OCD symptoms, TMS treatment improves the overall quality of life for individuals living with OCD. This can include improvements in mood, social functioning, and daily activities.
Check Your Eligibility
Overall, TMS treatment for OCD works by targeting specific brain regions involved in the disorder and modulating neural activity to alleviate symptoms. While individual responses to TMS may vary, many individuals with OCD experience significant improvements in symptoms and quality of life with this non-invasive treatment approach.
You can commence your eligibility process by adhering to our three-step treatment method outlined here.
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