For decades, individuals suffering from depression, anxiety, PTSD, and other mental health conditions have found themselves limited to a handful of treatment options: medications, psychotherapy, or a combination of the two. While these approaches work for many, they often fall short for people whose symptoms persist despite trying multiple interventions. That’s where Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) is proving to be a game-changer, especially in treating conditions beyond depression, like anxiety, PTSD, and even chronic pain.
At Shanti TMS, we specialize in providing FDA-approved, non-invasive TMS therapy for individuals who haven’t found relief through traditional methods. While TMS is already well-established for treating major depressive disorder (MDD), a growing body of research is exploring how this innovative therapy, including TMS for anxiety, can help patients struggling with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), chronic pain, and even substance use disorders.
How TMS Works
TMS works by sending magnetic pulses to targeted areas of the brain involved in mood regulation, particularly the left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex. These pulses stimulate nerve cells and help reset abnormal neural activity patterns associated with mood disorders.
Unlike medications, TMS does not affect the entire body, which means it avoids systemic side effects such as weight gain, fatigue, or gastrointestinal issues. Patients stay awake during sessions, and there’s no need for sedation or recovery time. TMS is also non-invasive, which means there are no incisions, no downtime, and no major disruptions to daily life.
Approved by the FDA for treatment-resistant depression, TMS is now being studied and used off-label for a wider range of psychiatric and neurological conditions, with promising results.
A Promising Approach in Treating Anxiety Using TMS
Anxiety disorders are among the most common mental health conditions in the United States, affecting millions each year. While therapy and medications such as SSRIs are standard treatments, many individuals do not achieve full relief, or they experience unwanted side effects from medications. This is where TMS for anxiety is gaining attention.
A growing number of studies suggest that TMS may reduce symptoms of generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), panic disorder, and social anxiety by modulating the areas of the brain responsible for excessive worry and fear responses. According to findings published in Brain and Behavior, there is increasing evidence that repetitive TMS (rTMS) can improve anxiety symptoms by targeting specific brain circuits associated with emotion regulation. However, the researchers also note that results can vary depending on factors like the stimulation site and frequency used, meaning more refined studies are needed to create optimal treatment protocols.
Exploring TMS for PTSD
Post-traumatic stress disorder affects people who have experienced life-altering trauma, combat veterans, survivors of abuse, or individuals who’ve endured natural disasters or serious accidents. PTSD can hijack a person’s quality of life through symptoms like flashbacks, emotional numbness, hypervigilance, and intrusive thoughts.
While traditional treatments such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and medications remain front-line options, they don’t always bring lasting relief. That’s why researchers are investigating how TMS may be used to help recalibrate dysfunctional brain patterns associated with PTSD.
According to a study published in the National Library of Medicine, early evidence shows that rTMS targeting the right dorsolateral prefrontal cortex may reduce PTSD symptoms, including intrusive memories and emotional reactivity. Although TMS is still considered investigational for PTSD, trials suggest it may improve emotional processing and decrease symptoms of hyperarousal in patients who have not responded to other therapies.
At Shanti TMS, we believe in the importance of advancing access to therapies that address trauma at the neurological level. While TMS may not be a one-size-fits-all solution, it offers a non-invasive, side-effect-free path that’s worth exploring, especially for those who feel they’ve run out of options.
TMS for Other Conditions
Beyond anxiety and PTSD, TMS is showing promise in treating conditions once thought to be purely behavioral or neurological in nature. One such condition is obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), which is marked by persistent intrusive thoughts and compulsive behaviors. The FDA has approved a specific form of TMS (called deep TMS) for OCD, which targets different brain circuits than those involved in depression. This recognition has opened the door to broader applications and research.
Chronic pain, particularly conditions like fibromyalgia or neuropathic pain, may also respond to TMS, given the therapy’s ability to modulate pain perception networks in the brain. For people who live with both chronic pain and depression, two conditions that often co-occur, TMS can potentially relieve symptoms on both fronts.
Additionally, there’s growing interest in using TMS to treat substance use disorders, particularly in helping reduce cravings and improve emotional regulation. While these applications are still under study, they demonstrate how brain-focused treatments like TMS can offer support for the complex web of conditions tied to brain chemistry and mental health.
Exploring the Effectiveness of TMS
According to research from UT Southwestern Medical Center, about 50% of patients experience a measurable improvement in symptoms after TMS therapy. Most individuals begin to notice positive changes within just two to three weeks, and between 30% to 40% report complete remission of their depressive symptoms. Even more encouraging is that about two-thirds continue to feel better three months after treatment ends.
These outcomes are particularly meaningful when considering how few side effects TMS presents compared to medications. Most people tolerate the treatment well, with mild scalp discomfort or headache being the most commonly reported side effects. Given the interconnected nature of mental health conditions, the effectiveness of TMS may partially explain its growing utility for related disorders like anxiety, PTSD, and chronic pain.
Knowing if You’re A Right Fit For TMS
TMS for anxiety may be appropriate for both adults and adolescents who haven’t found relief through traditional therapies. At Shanti TMS, we treat a wide range of conditions aside from anxiety, including major depressive disorder, treatment-resistant depression, adolescent depression, OCD, addiction, and chronic pain.
It’s especially helpful for people who:
- Have tried two or more antidepressants with little or no improvement
- Are sensitive to medication side effects
- Prefer a non-invasive, drug-free treatment option
- Want a treatment that fits into daily life without requiring hospitalization or sedation
The best way to determine if TMS is right for you or a loved one is through a comprehensive clinical consultation. Our team in Portland is ready to help guide you through that process with care, transparency, and expertise.
The Future of Brain-Based Mental Health Treatment
The brain is complex, and so are the mental health conditions that affect it. While there is no cure-all, TMS therapy offers a powerful tool for those who haven’t found success with conventional approaches. And as research continues, the evidence supporting TMS for PTSD, anxiety, OCD, and more will only grow stronger.
At Shanti TMS, our mission is to provide compassionate, evidence-based care for individuals and families navigating the challenges of mental health. We understand how exhausting it can be to try treatment after treatment without relief. That’s why we’re here to offer something different.