Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder

Services for Treating PTSD

Understanding PTSD

Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a mental health condition triggered by experiencing or witnessing a traumatic event or series of events. Common sources of trauma include military combat, natural disasters, serious accidents, or violent personal assaults. Individuals with PTSD may experience a range of symptoms, including intrusive memories, flashbacks, severe anxiety, and uncontrollable thoughts about the traumatic event. These symptoms can significantly impair daily functioning and quality of life, making effective treatment essential.

Theta Burst Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) for PTSD Treatment

Theta Burst Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) has been widely recognized as an effective treatment for treatment-resistant depression. We are now proud to offer a treatment protocol which has demonstrated efficacy in alleviating symptoms in our patients diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

The specific protocol for treating PTSD involves the application of bilateral theta burst TMS at a frequency of 20Hz. This treatment targets two critical brain regions: the Right Dorsolateral Prefrontal Cortex (RDLPFC) and the Left Dorsolateral Prefrontal Cortex (LDLPFC). Additionally, an extra treatment site is targeted over the Right Orbitofrontal Cortex (ROFC). These areas are integral in regulating mood, decision-making, and emotional responses, which are often affected in PTSD patients.

Treatment Process and Outcomes

Patients undergoing this treatment typically receive TMS sessions five times a week over a course of 6-8 weeks. Each session involves brief, repeated magnetic pulses aimed at stimulating neuronal activity in the targeted brain regions.

In a cohort of 15 consecutive patients treated at Stubbeman TMS for Major depressive disorder with comorbid PTSD, 87% (13/15) fully remitted from PTSD, with significant reductions in the frequency, intensity, and duration of PTSD symptoms. Improvements were observed in various aspects of life, including:

• Reduced Anxiety and Hypervigilance: Patients reported feeling less anxious and more in control of their environment.

• Enhanced Mood Regulation: Noticeable improvement in mood stability and a decrease in depressive symptoms often associated with PTSD.

• Better Sleep Patterns: Many patients experienced more restful sleep, free from frequent nightmares or night terrors.

• Improved Cognitive Function: Enhanced focus, memory, and cognitive processing were commonly reported.

Advantages of Theta Burst TMS for PTSD

• Non-Invasive Treatment: Unlike other modalities such as medications or stellate ganglion block, TMS is a non-invasive, non-systemic treatment.

• Minimal Side Effects: TMS is generally well-tolerated, with most patients experiencing only mild, temporary side effects such as headache or scalp discomfort.

• Rapid Onset of Benefits: Many patients begin to notice improvements in their symptoms within just a few weeks of starting treatment.

Conclusion

Theta Burst Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation represents a promising advance in the treatment of PTSD, offering hope to those who have not found relief through other modalities. By specifically targeting brain regions involved in the pathology of PTSD, TMS provides a targeted, effective approach to reducing the debilitating symptoms of this condition and improving overall quality of life.