Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) is a non-invasive and non-pharmaceutical therapy option for treating certain mental health issues. As outlined in an article published in the journal Brain Stimulation in 2022, the U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA) approved TMS as a treatment for depression in 2008, major depressive disorder in 2013, migraine in 2014, and obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD) in 2017. If you or a loved one is currently struggling with one of these mental health concerns and is not responding to traditional treatments, the good news is that outpatient options for TMS in Orange, CA, are available.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), about 4% of the world’s population lives with anxiety, an overwhelming feeling of fear or worry. As anxiety is closely linked to depression and OCD, TMS in Orange, CA, can help treat any underlying anxiety you may be feeling.
TMS works by stimulating specific areas of the brain using magnetic pulses. The magnetic pulses stimulate electric currents in the brain, which can turn neurons “on” or “off.” This helps “rewire” brain pathways that may not be working correctly and causing certain mental health symptoms.
TMS usually targets the prefrontal cortex of the brain, which is responsible for many functions that may impact your mental health, such as:
TMS therapy can treat other areas of the brain as needed, including the prefrontal cortex. It’s important to note that the FDA has not yet approved TMS for the treatment of anxiety orders. However, it is an effective mental health therapy in California for depression and OCD, which are often caused by or linked to anxiety.
There is a great deal of research being done on TMS as a potential therapy for anxiety disorders. For example, a study published in the journal Brain Behavior in May 2019 found TMS to be an effective treatment for generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
Types of TMS Therapy
Several different types of TMS therapy are being used in today’s clinics. Your psychiatrist will determine which type of TMS is best for you based on your specific situation.
Types of TMS therapy include:
Benefits of TMS Therapy
Benefits of TMS over traditional treatments for depression, OCD, and anxiety include:
Additionally, clinical studies show that TMS therapy can provide long-lasting symptom reductions, even after treatment is completed. A study published in the journal PNAS in February 2024 reported that almost 80% of people treated for depression with TMS reached remission, while an article published by the International OCD Foundation says about 45% of people with OCD treated with TMS reduced their symptoms after one month of treatment.
When scheduling outpatient mental health treatment for TMS in Orange, CA, there are a few steps you’ll follow before your first appointment:
A typical session of TMS in Orange, CA, will last between 20 and 40 minutes, depending on your specific mental health treatment needs. Because no anesthesia is involved, you are awake during each session. You can listen to music, read a magazine or book, or just sit back and relax during your TMS sessions.
Most people receiving TMS therapy receive sessions five days a week for four to six weeks, but this will again depend on your medical history and personal needs. While side effects from TMS are rare, some people experience a slight headache or mild scalp discomfort after TMS sessions, especially the first few. Make sure to speak with your psychiatrist if you continue to experience these side effects or they worsen.
Yes, if you live in Orange, CA, or its surrounding areas, outpatient mental health clinics in Orange County currently offer TMS therapy.
When looking for a local clinic offering TMS therapy, make sure they:
Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) is a non-invasive treatment option for certain mental health conditions.
TMS is currently FDA-approved to treat depression, OCD, and migraine.
TMS can help treat anxiety, as it is normally related to or a symptom of depression and OCD.
TMS offers several benefits over traditional therapies and is an excellent option for people who do not respond well to medications.
There are a few steps to follow when finding a local TMS clinic and scheduling your first session.
Moment of Clarify is proud to be the mental health treatment facility of choice for thousands of Southern Californians seeking outpatient care for many mental health concerns, including depression, anxiety, PTSD, bipolar disorder, and eating disorders. Our TMS services offer a therapeutic option for patients not responding to traditional therapies or medications, allowing them to take charge of their healing process through an effective alternative treatment.
If you’re looking for TMS in Orange, CA, call Moment of Clarity today at 949-625-0564 to learn more about how we can help.
Brain Stimulation — A visual and narrative timeline of US FDA milestones for Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) devices
World Health Organization (WHO) — Anxiety disorders
Brain Behavior — Transcranial magnetic stimulation in anxiety and trauma‐related disorders: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
PNAS — Brain stimulation poised to move from last resort to frontline treatment
International OCD Foundation — Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) for OCD