Anxious depression is a psychiatric disorder in which depressive symptoms and intense anxiety occur together. Conventional treatments may not always be effective. In these cases, transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) stands out as a promising alternative treatment. In this article, we will explore what anxious depression is, how TMS therapy works, and current research in this field. TMS Therapy
What Is Anxious Depression? Symptoms and Causes
Anxious depression is a disorder characterized by excessive anxiety and worry alongside the physical and emotional symptoms of depression.
Symptoms:
- Persistent worry and restlessness
- Intense sadness and hopelessness
- Changes in appetite (a marked increase or decrease)
- Insomnia or excessive sleeping
- Difficulty concentrating and fatigue
Causes:
Although the exact cause of anxious depression is unknown, the following factors are known to play a role:
- Genetic predisposition
- Imbalances in brain chemistry
- Factors such as chronic stress and trauma.
What Is TMS (Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation) and How Does It Work?
TMS (transcranial magnetic stimulation) is a non-invasive treatment that stimulates nerve cells by sending magnetic waves into the brain from outside the head.
How Does TMS Work?
- A focused magnetic field is applied to the brain through magnetic coils placed at specific points on the head.
- This magnetic field activates nerve cells in brain regions associated with depression, such as the prefrontal cortex.
- This change in brain activity helps improve mood and reduce anxiety symptoms.
TMS is used as an effective treatment for patients who are resistant to medication and is considered a safe option because it has no serious side effects.
The Effectiveness of TMS in Treating Anxious Depression
TMS therapy has demonstrated its effectiveness, particularly when anxiety and depression symptoms occur together.
Key Benefits of TMS Therapy:
- Non-invasive and safe: It requires no surgical procedure and has minimal side effects.
- Effective in Treatment-Resistant Depression: Positive outcomes have been achieved even in patients who do not respond to medication or other treatments.
- Reduces Anxiety: It improves quality of life by targeting both anxiety and depression symptoms.
According to research, 50% to 60% of patients receiving TMS show marked improvement.
Current Research on TMS Therapy
Scientific studies in recent years have revealed the positive effects of TMS therapy on anxious depression:
- 2023 JAMA Psychiatry Study: TMS therapy was reported to significantly reduce both depression and anxiety symptoms.
- 2022 Brain Stimulation Journal: TMS was shown to restore balance in the brain by increasing activity in the prefrontal cortex.
- FDA Approval: TMS has been approved by the US Food and Drug Administration for the treatment of depression.
Current research indicates that TMS could become a more widely used treatment in the future and offers hope for patients seeking alternative treatments.
Conclusion
Anxious depression can seriously reduce a person's quality of life. TMS therapy offers an effective, safe, and non-invasive option for patients who do not respond to conventional treatments.
At our clinic in Kadıköy, we can help you improve your quality of life by reducing anxiety and depression symptoms with TMS therapy.
