Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) & TMS Therapy
What is OCD?
OCD stands for Obsessive Compulsive Disorder, a chronic disorder characterized by primarily two kinds of symptoms. First, you have obsessions, which are unwanted thoughts, ideas, or images that a person can't stop. These typically cause a lot of anxiety, distress, and uncertainty for the person.
The other symptom is compulsions, which are the actions or behaviors a person does to eliminate the obsessive thoughts or associated anxiety. Sometimes these behaviors take on a ritualistic or compulsive quality.
Obsessive-compulsive disorder usually includes both obsessions and compulsions. But it's also possible to have only obsession symptoms or only compulsion symptoms.
Common types of obsessions include:
- Fear of coming into contact with perceived contaminated substances/things
- Violent Obsessions
- Fear of being responsible for something terrible happening
- Perfectionism-related Obsessions
- Unwanted thoughts or mental images related to sex
- Religious/Moral Obsessions (Scrupulosity)
- Identity Obsessions
Common compulsions in OCD:
- Washing and Cleaning
- Touching or Tapping
- Repeat Checking
- Repeating Reading or Rewriting Activities
- Mental Compulsions
- Putting things in order or arranging things until it "feels right."
- Seeking reassurance
Common types of obsessions include:
- Fear of coming into contact with perceived contaminated substances/things
- Violent Obsessions
- Fear of being responsible for something terrible happening
- Perfectionism-related Obsessions
- Unwanted thoughts or mental images related to sex
- Religious/Moral Obsessions (Scrupulosity)
- Identity Obsessions
Common compulsions in OCD:
- Washing and Cleaning
- Touching or Tapping
- Repeat Checking
- Repeating Reading or Rewriting Activities
- Mental Compulsions
- Putting things in order or arranging things until it "feels right."
- Seeking reassurance
How does TMS Treatment work for OCD?
In 2018, the FDA approved deep-TMS for adjunct treatment in OCD. TMS strategically targets the areas of the brain that are involved in thoughts, emotions, and behaviors. At Salience, we use a multi-targeted approach when treating OCD. The targets used for OCD are the same targets stimulated during the OCD trial that gained FDA approval for TMS Therapy. With a multi-location approach, this protocol supports OCD treatment for a more comprehensive array of symptomatology.
Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation treats OCD by strengthening and resetting abnormal activity of two main networks in the brain, the Anti-Reward Network and the Salience Network. TMS is similar to physical therapy for physical rehabilitation. During your outpatient sessions, TMS therapy uses the concept of repetition to build strength and enhance communication to get your brain in the habit of sending signals on its own. By improving communication in these networks, people experience improvements and reductions in their OCD symptoms.
What to Expect with OCD TMS Treatment
TMS is a non-invasive way of stimulating activity in the brain using magnetic fields. During treatment, patients sit in a chair while a TMS device is placed gently against the outside of their head.
You may feel a tapping sensation on your head during treatment, discomfort is typically mild, and varies between patients. Most patients report the discomfort improving after a few sessions.
Treatment for OCD is a total of 36 sessions minimum. Treatment is five days a week for around six to seven weeks. Every patient is unique, so your treatment plan may look different than others. Our team will explain everything to you, so you understand and are informed about each step of your treatment.
Why Treat with Salience TMS?
At Salience TMS, we make it our mission to provide patients with the best-in-class TMS therapy experience.
Delivering an exceptional experience and excellent results starts from within our company. Our highly trained and knowledgeable staff prioritizes your care and experience each day, helping to make us the TMS provider of choice for many patients over the last decade.
Why Treat with Salience TMS?
At Salience TMS, we make it our mission to provide patients with the best-in-class TMS therapy experience.
Delivering an exceptional experience and excellent results starts from within our company. Our highly trained and knowledgeable staff prioritizes your care and experience each day, helping to make us the TMS provider of choice for many patients over the last decade.
TMS Therapy For OCD Facts
Patients often experience other benefits, such as improvement in the ability to focus, more restful sleep, and mild improvements in cognition and memory.
There are no restrictions on driving to and from treatment.
Resume normal activities immediately. Average treatment visits are around 20 minutes. That's less time than your average cardio or yoga class.
It is encouraged to combine multiple treatment approaches, like therapy, nutrition plans, exercise, and/or medication, with TMS Therapy.
TMS Therapy For OCD Facts
Patients often experience other benefits, such as improvement in the ability to focus, more restful sleep, and mild improvements in cognition and memory.
There are no restrictions on driving to and from treatment.
It is encouraged to combine multiple treatment approaches, like therapy, nutrition plans, exercise, and/or medication, with TMS Therapy.
Resume normal activities immediately. Average treatment visits are around 20 minutes. That's less time than your average cardio or yoga class.
Understanding Insurance Coverage for OCD TMS Treatment
Focus on reconnecting to your life, not your insurance. Most major insurance carriers cover TMS treatment. Our patient advocates quickly handle details, payment options, and prior authorization before getting started with treatment.
Understanding Insurance Coverage for OCD TMS Therapy
Most major insurance companies cover Salience TMS therapy. Our team will coordinate with your health insurance, handle any prior authorization, and make sure you understand your coverage and payment options before treatment.
Understanding Insurance Coverage for OCD TMS Therapy
Most major insurance companies cover Salience TMS therapy. Our team will coordinate with your health insurance, handle any prior authorization, and make sure you understand your coverage and payment options before treatment.
See What Salience Patients Are Saying
"There are no words to describe my relief and elation. This treatment saved my life and sanity. I will forever be grateful to Tina, Evan, and Brandon for all their help. So, if you're thinking of doing it, stop thinking and go for it!"
Mary, 52
Want to Learn More About TMS for OCD?
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