TMS for Anxiety in Greeley, CO

Mindset TMS in Greeley, CO, offers TMS therapy for anxiety. This innovative treatment uses magnetic pulses to stimulate mood-regulating areas of the brain. Over the course of 30-40 sessions, TMS can provide long-term relief for the main symptoms of anxiety, such as excessive worrying, difficulty concentrating, and sleep disruption. The procedure is well-tolerated and does not involve serious side effects. With over a decade of expertise in psychiatry and patient-centered care, Dr. Nicholle Peralta and her amazing team empower people to transform their mental health and reclaim happiness.

Table of Contents

What Is TMS
for Anxiety?

TMS Techniques

Consultation & Preparation
for TMS

TMS
Procedure

Recovery After TMS for Anxiety

Candidates for TMS for Anxiety

Benefits of TMS for Anxiety

Cost of TMS in Denver, CO

What Makes Our TMS Different From Others?

Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) is a non-invasive procedure that uses magnetic fields to stimulate nerve cells in the brain that are involved in mood regulation and anxiety. During TMS, a magnetic coil (special device) is placed near the forehead. An electromagnet in the coil painlessly delivers a pulse that stimulates nerve cells in the brain region that regulates mood. A typical course of TMS for anxiety involves 30-40 sessions, with each one lasting less than an hour.

The stimulation is designed to activate or deactivate specific brain areas that are involved in anxiety. It can also help to treat depression and obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). There is a possibility that TMS will soon be used to reduce symptoms of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and bipolar depression.

What Is TMS for Anxiety?

TMS Techniques

Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (rTMS)

During rTMS, a rapidly changing magnetic field is applied to the brain through a small coil placed on the scalp. This generates electric currents that stimulate nerve cells in the targeted brain region. In rTMS, multiple magnetic pulses are delivered over a course of time. The repetition of pulses changes brain activity in the target area. For example, high-frequency rTMS (≥ 5 Hz) increases the excitability of certain zones, while low frequency (≤ 1 Hz) decreases it. This technique is more beneficial than single-pulse TMS because it enables longer-lasting effects.

Theta Burst Stimulation (TBS)

TBS is a form of repetitive TMS that delivers magnetic pulses in a specific pattern modeled after brain waves. TBS applies bursts containing 3 magnetic pulses given at 50 Hz, repeated every 200 ms. This timing mirrors natural theta waves in the brain. There are two main TBS techniques:

Intermittent TBS (iTBS): Involves bursts of high-frequency stimulation at intervals and is usually applied to the front-left part of the brain. It is a shorter, more intense form of treatment than traditional rTMS.
Continuous TBS (cTBS): Involves continuous bursts of stimulation

The mechanisms behind TBS are complex, but it is more efficient than standard rTMS, requiring a total stimulation of under 5 minutes. Its unique rhythmic bursts make it distinct from other brain stimulation approaches.

Deep Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (dTMS)

This is a novel form of TMS that allows for the stimulation of deeper brain structures. It uses specifically designed coils to generate magnetic fields that can reach 5-6 cm into the brain without any harm. Conventional TMS devices only get to 1-2 cm. The improved penetration of dTMS makes it possible to target deeper brain structures that are involved in emotional regulation, motivation, and decision-making. Studies show that dTMS is highly useful for treating depression, OCD, and other conditions where these regions are dysfunctional.

Before beginning TMS for anxiety disorder, a consultation is scheduled with Dr. Peralta to determine if the candidate is eligible for this procedure. A thorough clinical evaluation and interview along with rating scales are utilized to diagnose and assess the severity of anxiety as well as other possible comorbid conditions. The doctor also reviews the patient’s medical history, including any medications or medical devices they use, as TMS could potentially interact with non-removable devices or implants near the coil.

Before the first treatment, patients are educated on what to expect, including hearing clicking noises from the TMS machine and feeling tapping sensations on the scalp during the sessions. Throughout the TMS sessions, patients continue regular meetings with their mental health provider.

Consultation & Preparation for TMS

Patient Setup

Before treatment begins, the patient sits in a reclining chair to ensure comfort throughout the procedure. Our TMS technician positions a magnetic coil against the patient's head. The coil is a circular or figure-eight-shaped device made of insulated wire wrapped around a core.

Locating the Treatment Site and determining Stimulation Intensity

The TMS physician will locate the treatment site, which utilizes various individual skull landmarks and measurements, to identify the exact regions to target with the magnetic pulses.

Determining Stimulation Intensity

Determining the stimulation intensity involves administering single pulses at various locations and intensity while monitoring motor responses to determine the appropriate stimulation intensity for each individual.

Application of Magnetic Pulses

Brief magnetic pulses are passed through the coil, which generates small electric currents that stimulate nerve cells in the targeted brain region. This is done repeatedly over several weeks, and a typical TMS session lasts 3-40 minutes, depending on the settings prescribed. The patient is awake and alert during the procedures. No anesthesia is required because the treatment is typically very well tolerated with minimal discomfort.

Treatment Course

A full course of TMS for anxiety usually consists of 30-40 total sessions provided 5 days per week over several weeks. The magnetic pulses are applied in a rhythmic pattern to help regulate abnormal activity and modulate brain regions associated with mood. Over the full treatment course, this pulsed stimulation can provide long-term relief of anxiety symptoms.

Treatment Course

A full course of TMS for anxiety usually consists of 30-40 total sessions provided 5 days per week over 1-2 months. The magnetic pulses are applied in a rhythmic pattern to help regulate abnormal activity in brain regions associated with mood. Over the full treatment course, this pulsed stimulation can provide long-term relief of anxiety symptoms.

TMS Procedure

Recovery After TMS for Anxiety

Recovery from transcranial magnetic stimulation for anxiety typically takes little time. Patients can usually resume normal activities immediately after the procedure. Any side effects like headaches or lightheadedness tend to be mild and temporary, subsiding within a few hours. No special recovery precautions are necessary. Patients may experience some improvements in anxiety symptoms right away, but the full effects tend to emerge over the entire course of treatment.

Candidates for TMS for Anxiety

TMS can help a wide range of people with mental health disorders to regain psychological strength and improve their well-being. Here are the main groups of candidates for this procedure:

Adults With Treatment-Resistant Anxiety

People with anxiety that has not responded to standard treatments, like psychotherapy and medication, may be candidates for TMS. This innovative procedure stimulates nerve cells that are involved in regulating mood. It influences the brain on an entirely different level.

Patients Who Want to Avoid Medication Side Effects

Some people wish to avoid the side effects associated with anti-anxiety medications. TMS is a non-pharmaceutical option that does not involve adverse reactions. It stimulates the brain locally and allows individuals with anxiety to reduce symptoms without experiencing negative sensations.

Patients With Anxious Depression

For those living with major depressive disorder and anxiety, TMS may offer help for both conditions. There is a lot of practical and scientific evidence that supports this therapy. Many clinical studies show that TMS helps to heal treatment-resistant depression. It may also decrease symptoms of generalized anxiety disorder when stimulation is applied over the left-front side of the brain. Patients who suffer from both of these conditions often find it hard to manage their mental health because treatments can be less effective. Therefore, TMS is the best option to address anxiety and depression symptoms in one therapy.

Benefits of TMS for Anxiety

Our TMS is appropriate for many people who experience mood disorders. Here are the main benefits of this treatment:

Treats Anxiety Symptoms

TMS is an effective therapy for reducing symptoms of anxiety, including excessive worrying, restlessness, fatigue, difficulty concentrating, and sleep problems. It can help to normalize nerve cell activity and reduce anxiety levels by stimulating parts of the brain involved in mood regulation.

Deals With Major Depressive Disorder

This condition often occurs alongside anxiety disorders. By addressing depressive symptoms, such as low mood and feelings of hopelessness, TMS can also improve comorbid anxiety symptoms. This is a crucial benefit that is hard to achieve with other therapies. Therefore, TMS is a perfect procedure for treating anxious depression.

Non-Invasive Approach

Compared to psychiatric medications or more invasive brain stimulations, like electroconvulsive therapy, TMS is a less stressful treatment with minimal side effects. This makes it an appealing option for patients seeking anxiety relief without drugs or surgery. TMS is well-tolerated, requiring no anesthesia or sedation.

Rapid, Long-Lasting Effects

Patients experience fast, significant relief from anxiety in as little as 4 to 6 weeks of TMS treatment. Positive effects may last for years, especially when combined with psychotherapy. TMS provides substantial anxiety relief more rapidly than medications alone. While symptoms may return after some time, they can be addressed again with this effective therapy.

Cost of TMS near Greeley, CO

The cost of TMS for anxiety disorders near Greeley, Colorado, ranges from $6,500 to $15,000. The exact price will depend on factors specific to each individual’s treatment and insurance plan. To get accurate financial information, patients should schedule a consultation with Dr. Peralta. She will conduct all of the necessary evaluations and our billing specialist can conduct an insurance benefits investigation to provide an estimate of out of pocket costs for each individual. We offer flexible financing via Advance Care Card for patients who do not have insurance.

What Makes Our TMS Different From Others?

Mindset TMS provides personalized and innovative TMS therapy for patients suffering from anxiety, depression, and OCD. With over a decade of expertise in psychiatry and a commitment to patient-centered care, we are dedicated to empowering individuals to transform their mental health. Our mission is to help people reclaim happiness and live fulfilling lives that are free of psychological constraints. Mindset accepts most insurance plans and also offers financing options to make our innovative treatments more accessible. For those seeking breakthrough solutions for anxiety, Mindset TMS provides individualized treatments and full support, helping patients unlock their potential for a brighter future.