TMS THERAPY
FDA-cleared, non-medication depression treatment
Tolu Ajiboye
With roughly one in three Americans still reporting symptoms of depression or anxiety, new COVID variants, economic strain, and social unrest have been mentally and emotionally stressful for many people. If you have past trauma, a preexisting mental health condition, or a tendency toward hypervigilance, this mental strain might be even more pronounced for you. Can this contribute to mental health conditions that need treatment? As the pandemic continues to unfold, here's what you should know about anxiety disorders, depression, and panic attacks.
Depression can sometimes be an indirect risk factor for having panic attacks or developing an anxiety disorder. Of all types of anxiety disorders, it's generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) that most often occurs alongside depression. Studies show that about 20 percent of people with Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) report having GAD, and approximately 67 percent of people with lifetime GAD also report having MDD.
And while GAD isn't necessarily associated with panic attacks, it can influence a person's likelihood of developing panic disorder or other anxiety disorders. In
one study, for instance, the rate of comorbidity between panic disorder and GAD was found to be 21.8 percent. Conversely, panic disorders and other anxiety disorders are challenging to negotiate for extended periods. The stress of having to cope with
panic and anxiety symptoms, such as intense feelings of fear and chest pain, dizziness, and difficulty breathing, can contribute to the development of depression. It's been reported that about
51 percent of people with lifetime panic attacks also meet the lifetime criteria for depression.
Everyone reacts to stressful situations differently, and if you find yourself having panic attacks or experiencing COVID-19 anxiety, there's nothing to be ashamed of. It's only natural for a threat that is very real yet invisible to be distressing. And if you had already been working on panic and anxiety before the pandemic, the lack of universal consensus on COVID-19 symptoms, spread, and protection makes it harder to gauge any fear or worry you're feeling. At the same time, other events in your life unrelated to the pandemic may also be causing you to experience anxiety. Regardless of their cause, panic attacks and anxiety disorders are treatable. Medication and cognitive behavioral therapy (or a combination of both) are typical strategies. Speak with a mental health professional about getting appropriate treatment if you're experiencing panic attacks or symptoms of an anxiety disorder.
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If you're experiencing increased depression symptoms alongside—or because of—anxiety or recurring panic attacks, it's important to seek treatment for it, too. Remember: depression and panic attacks are treatable and more common than you might think.
Antidepressants and talk therapy are usually the first line of treatment for depression. That said, they don't work for everyone. In fact, roughly one-third of people with depression don't find relief even after trying two medications. If you fall into this category, consider Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) therapy. TMS uses gentle magnetic pulses to activate specific brain regions involved in mood and emotion regulation.
To ensure your TMS treatments are provided as safely as possible, at Greenbrook we are continually updating our policies and procedures to account for COVID-19 considerations. We also offer select appointments via telehealth. You can read
Greenbrook TMS patient stories to learn more about TMS therapy. And if you want to better understand whether TMS is right for you,
schedule a no-cost consultation.
Take our 6 question quiz to see if TMS therapy could be right for you
Subscribe for mental health, self-care, and TMS therapy updates for those affected by treatment-resistant depression or OCD.
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