Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is a challenging and disruptive mental health condition characterized by unwanted and persistent thoughts (obsessions) and repetitive behaviors or mental acts (compulsions). People feel driven to perform compulsions to alleviate distress or prevent a feared event. For example, common obsessions may include fears of contamination or harming others. Compulsions may involve excessive cleaning, checking, or counting.
The exact cause of OCD is unknown, but researchers do know environmental stress and brain structure play a role. Treatment typically involves cognitive behavioral therapy and medications. However, when traditional treatment is not successful, TMS therapy for OCD in Houston offers a safe and effective treatment option with demonstrated efficacy.
TMS stands for transcranial magnetic stimulation. It is a noninvasive treatment in which magnetic fields are used to influence brain activity and neural pathways. The magnetic fields target specific brain regions involved in mood regulation.
NeuroStar TMS therapy was approved by the FDA in 2008 for the treatment of major depressive disorder. Clinical studies have demonstrated effectiveness in treating other conditions, including obsessive-compulsive disorder, and the FDA has approved NeuroStar TMS therapy as an adjunctive treatment for OCD.
Each treatment session typically lasts 20 to 30 minutes, and a full treatment cycle includes five sessions per week for five to seven weeks. This is a significant time commitment. However, most health insurance providers offer some level of coverage for NeuroStar TMS therapy, including when it is used to treat OCD.
Although the exact pathway TMS uses to reduce or eliminate symptoms of OCD is not fully understood, researchers know that targeting specific areas involved in regulating obsessive and compulsive behaviors results in eliminating or reducing symptoms.
Magnetic pulses are used to induce small electric currents in the prefrontal cortex, which is often underactive in individuals with OCD. The stimulation activates nerve cells in the region, helping restore normal function and improve symptoms.
TMS can reduce the intensity and frequency of OCD symptoms by regulating the circuits that control the behavior. Research has suggested that TMS can lead to significant improvements, especially in people who have not responded well to medication or cognitive behavioral therapy.
TMS is an adjunct treatment, meaning it is recommended alongside other therapies. Additionally, the effectiveness varies from person to person, although the treatment is safe and effective in a high percentage of individuals.
During your first appointment and consultation, your healthcare provider will describe what happens during your treatment sessions and determine the area of the brain to be treated and the intensity of the magnetic pulses. During each treatment session you are seated in a comfortable chair. The healthcare professional applies a padded coil against your head through which the magnetic pulses are delivered.
Some people report hearing a tapping sound during the treatments, and others experience some mild discomfort on the skin under the padded coil. Other side effects that have been reported include mild to moderate discomfort on the skin, headache, or toothache.
However, most individuals find these symptoms resolved spontaneously during the day and are not present by the second week of treatment. TMS therapy does not require anesthesia or sedation, so you are free to leave and go about your daily activities immediately after the treatment session.
Obsessive-compulsive disorder is a mental health condition that significantly challenges your daily life. If you have not received measurable improvement from traditional therapeutic interventions such as medication or talk therapy, we encourage you to call the office today and schedule a consultation to learn more about TMS therapy for OCD in Houston.
At AMS Health and Wellness, compassion is at the core of patient care. Our healthcare professionals have the knowledge and expertise to answer your questions and help you make an informed decision about adding TMS therapy as an adjunct treatment for OCD.
