Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) is a debilitating mental health condition characterised by repetitive and intrusive thoughts (obsessions) and ritualistic behaviours (compulsions) aimed at alleviating anxiety. It impacts many individuals globally, leading to notable discomfort and disruption in their daily routines. While conventional treatments, such as medication and cognitive-behavioural therapy have proven effective for many individuals, there remains a portion of people with OCD who do not respond adequately to these methods. It is here that Deep Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (Deep TMS) comes into play. To know more about it, we spoke to Dr Gorav Gupta, Senior Psychiatrist, Founder and Director – Tulasi Healthcare.
What is Deep Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation?
"Deep Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (Deep TMS) is a revolutionary and non-invasive treatment option that is changing the landscape of OCD therapy," said Dr Gorav. He explained that Deep TMS utilises magnetic waves to stimulate specific areas of the brain, promoting neuron repair and aiding in the alleviation of OCD symptoms.
"The process entails affixing a magnetic coil to the skull, which is subsequently linked to an electric pulse generator or stimulator. This setup makes the magnet produce different kinds of electricity that make a changing magnetic field. This changing magnetic field makes a special kind of electricity in a certain part of the brain," explained Dr Gorav.
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In people with OCD, the part of the brain that gets this special electricity is called the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex. This part of the brain is more active in people who have depression and OCD," highlighted Dr Gorav.
Advantages of Deep TMS
"One of the most significant advantages of Deep TMS over other therapies is its non-invasive nature," stressed Dr Gorav. He added that unlike Electroconvulsive Therapy (ECT), there is no need for anaesthesia or seizure induction, leading to a quicker recovery period and no memory loss side effects.
He added that Deep TMS has been FDA-approved as an alternative treatment for depression. The results of the journal World Psychiatry suggested that Deep TMS is a novel intervention in major depressive disorder and safe for patients who don't get better with antidepressant drugs. Its positive effects last for three months even after regular treatment.
"The key distinction between Deep TMS and standard TMS lies in the ability of the magnetic pulse to reach deeper into the targeted brain regions. This feature allows for a more widespread and profound stimulation of the brain, making it particularly effective for treating OCD and other mental health conditions," highlighted Dr Gorav.
Also Read: How To Spot If Someone Has Obsessive Compulsive Disorder
"The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved the use of Deep TMS for OCD treatment in 2018, providing an additional option for those who do not respond well to traditional therapies," said Dr Gorav.
"Prior to the approval, exposure and response prevention (a form of cognitive-behavioural therapy), medication, or a combination of the two were the main treatment options available for people with OCD. Deep TMS offers hope for those who have not found relief from these approaches or have only experienced marginal improvements," said Dr Gorav.
Conclusion
Deep TMS is a groundbreaking and non-invasive therapy that holds great promise for those suffering from OCD and other mental health conditions. Its ability to stimulate specific brain areas without the need for surgery or anaesthesia sets it apart from other treatments, making it an attractive option for patients and clinicians alike. As research continues to support its efficacy, Deep TMS is expected to become more widely available, bringing relief to even more individuals in need.
[Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only. Consult your healthcare provider to get a thorough diagnosis and treatment as per your health needs.]
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