Struggling to find relief from anxiety?
If you’re living with anxiety — whether it’s been years or a recent onset — and feel like nothing is helping, you’re not alone. Many people find that traditional treatments such as therapy and medication just don’t deliver the relief they need.
Enter transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS), an effective treatment option that’s been gaining attention for good reason. It’s noninvasive, backed by research and offers hope to people who feel like they’ve run out of options.
Let’s dive into what TMS is, how it helps with anxiety and why it might be the solution you’ve been searching for.
What is TMS and how does it help with anxiety?
TMS is a noninvasive therapy that uses magnetic pulses to target specific parts of the brain. It’s been shown to help many people with treatment-resistant conditions like anxiety, major depressive disorder (MDD) and obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), among others.
“TMS works by delivering rapid magnetic pulses to underactive areas of the brain. This helps create new neural pathways, improving brain activity and reducing symptoms over time.” explains Ariel Favela, manager of neuromodulation services at Pathlight Mood & Anxiety Center (Pathlight).
The exact area targeted depends on the condition being treated. For anxiety, the treatment focuses on the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex, a key area involved in regulating mood.
How long does TMS treatment for anxiety last?
TMS anxiety treatment is typically five days a week for six weeks, with each session lasting about 18 minutes. This consistent stimulation helps the brain rewire itself and can help alleviate symptoms, like feeling overwhelmed or waking up with anxiety, in about two to four weeks.
What’s the TMS success rate for anxiety?
TMS is not a miracle cure but it does alleviate symptoms. For those with treatment-resistant anxiety, TMS often offers a higher chance of relief than trying additional medications.
“Research shows that after trying two or more medications without success, the chances of the next medication working are only about 10-15%,” Favela explains. “With TMS, the likelihood of seeing positive results jumps to 40% or higher.”
Does TMS work better on its own or with other treatments?
TMS can work as a standalone treatment, but it’s often most effective when combined with other methods. “Doing TMS while staying compliant with medications and regular therapy tends to work very well,” Favela explains.
Favela also emphasizes the importance of continuing care with your outpatient provider, especially since most people seeking TMS are treatment-resistant and already have an outpatient team.
“The TMS provider will only be responsible for your TMS care and nothing else,” he explains. “Your outpatient team can help manage medication and other aspects of your treatment, ensuring you have all the support you need.”
When should you consider TMS therapy for anxiety?
TMS can be considered at any time, whether you’ve been recently diagnosed with anxiety or have been managing it for years. However, it’s typically recommended for individuals who haven’t found success with other treatments.
“Insurance will not cover TMS unless you are treatment-resistant,” explains Favela. “This means you have tried psychotherapy, either in the past or currently, and have tried two to four medications to help treat your condition.”
Who benefits most from TMS?
TMS is especially effective for people with generalized anxiety disorder. “It can also help individuals with high-functioning anxiety and other conditions, like post-traumatic stress disorder or OCD, following different requirements than TMS anxiety protocols,” Favela adds.
Who might not be a good candidate?
While TMS is safe for most people, it’s not suitable for everyone.
“People with seizure disorders, metal implants near the treatment area (like plates or aneurysm clips) or bipolar disorder might not be good candidates,” explains Favela.
There’s a small risk of seizures or manic episodes, and metal implants can interfere with the magnetic fields and pulses used during treatment.
Can TMS make anxiety worse?
For most people, TMS does not make anxiety worse. However, some individuals may experience a temporary increase in anxiety during the early stages of treatment, referred to as a “TMS dip.” This is usually temporary, lasting anywhere between two days and two weeks, and improves as therapy progresses.
[quote box] “TMS is a noninvasive treatment, unlike electroconvulsive therapy or ketamine. There is no direct observation period posttreatment, and people are able to resume daily activities right after treatment,” explains Favela.
If you experience increased anxiety or other side effects such as mild scalp tenderness or headaches, it’s important to let your TMS provider know. They can adjust your treatment plan to help ensure you are comfortable and get the best results from your therapy.
Is TMS FDA-approved for anxiety?
No, TMS is not currently FDA-approved specifically for anxiety. However, it is FDA-approved for other conditions, such as MDD and OCD. That said, many people with anxiety benefit from TMS, and some providers use it to help alleviate anxiety symptoms when individuals are not responding to other forms of treatment.
If you’re considering TMS for anxiety, make sure to talk to your provider to see if it’s a good fit for you.
Can TMS help with social anxiety?
Yes. While it is not a guaranteed solution for everyone, TMS for social anxiety has shown encouraging potential. Early research suggests it works by targeting the medial prefrontal cortex, with case studies reporting improvements after just four weeks of treatment [1].
Think TMS is right for you? Here’s how to get started
TMS is an effective, noninvasive treatment that offers real hope for those struggling with anxiety disorders — especially when traditional methods haven’t worked.
At Pathlight, we offer TMS both as part of our comprehensive programs and as a standalone outpatient service at our flagship location in Denver.
To find out if TMS is right for you, schedule a free assessment or call 866-718-6695 to speak with our admissions team. We’ll listen to what you’re going through and match you with the exact care you need to heal.
Ready to take the next step? Find TMS therapy for anxiety near you.