Anxiety Disorders Anxiety Disorders are the most common mental illness in the United States, affecting nearly 40 million (about 18% of our population) adults. Types of anxiety disorders include Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD), Social Anxiety Disorder, Specific Phobias, and Panic Disorder. The National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) estimates that nearly half of the individuals diagnosed with depression, are also diagnosed with an anxiety disorder. Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) and Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) are common co-occurring disorders linked to both anxiety and depression. To learn more about anxiety disorders, you may visit http://www.adaa.org/about-adaa/press-room/facts-statistics.
TMS and Anxiety Disorders Currently, TMS is not an FDA approved treatment for anxiety, as it is still undergoing clinical trials. However, we have successfully treated numerous patients suffering from anxiety, or with a co-morbid anxiety disorders. Many patients who have sought out TMS treatment for depression have also seen similar response and remission rates in relation to their anxiety symptoms.
To date, 75% of our patients with a diagnosed anxiety disorder have shown a response (At least 50% improvement in anxiety symptoms) to TMS treatment. Almost 50% have entered into remission.
Some patients show improvement in anxiety symptoms while undergoing the standard FDA approved depression protocol delivering high frequency pulses over the Left DLPFC area of the brain. Others may respond to low frequency stimulation over the Right DLPFC. Research has shown that both areas of the brain may be either over or under-active in individuals suffering from anxiety. Each treatment plan is customized individually, and would be discussed during your consultation.
If you have any questions about how TMS can help treat anxiety, please call us at 206-535-6292.