TMS Treatment For OCD In 2019

In this video, we introduce Robert D. McMullen, MD who is a psychiatrist in NYC who has been performing psychopharmacology for over 30 years, the last 10 of which includes transcranial magnetic stimulation(TMS). Today he will discuss the 4 main OCD treatments available today, 3 of which are very popular.

What is OCD:

OCD is short for Obsessive Compulsive Disorder and is characterized by unreasonable thoughts and fears or obsessions that lead to compulsive behaviors. It often centers around things such as fear of germs or the need to arrange objects in a certain manner otherwise a feeling of unease will settle on the person. It also involves having a tendency towards excessive orderliness, perfectionism, and having extreme attention to detail. Symptoms usually begin gradually and vary throughout life depending on the amount of treatment one has received. It is a common disorder with more than 200,000 cases in the US reported every year. Although treatment can help, there is no cure for this condition and it can be lifelong. However, recent breakthroughs in TMS research have dramatically improved many cases of OCD leading to many people living normal lives.

4 Types of Treatments for OCD:

Inhibitory treatment of Pre SMA- Studies performed have shown that inhibitory treatment on this part of the brain helps with anxiety.

Excitatory treatment of Cingulate Cortex- Findings show excitatory treatment on this part of the brain helps with OCD. Treatment also helps symptoms of depression to remit. Usually, when one has OCD, they also have some concurrent mild depression. The psychiatrist places a helmet on the patient so that the magnetic field goes deeper down the middle of the head.

Inhibitory treatment of the right frontal cortex- Findings show inhibitory treatment on this area helps with depression and OCD. Treatment involves 60 seconds of inhibition(1 pulse per second) followed by 30-second rest intervals and then 60 more seconds of inhibition for a total of 6 times. Studies show this treatment has had a significant effect on reducing OCD. It’s been able to bring a large number of patients into the responder classification of 25% improvement in symptoms.

Inhibitory OCD treatment on left orbitofrontal cortex- One study shows that inhibitory treatment on this part of the brain helps with OCD. Although there have been only a few studies performed on this treatment, the few that have been performed have proved successful.

Whether using 2 or 3 of these treatments together is more helpful for treating OCD is still uncertain. However, what is certain is that TMS treatment has had a significant effect on those with OCD. As a result, they have been able to continue living long and normal lives.

What is TMS?

Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation(TMS) has been approved by the FDA since 2008 as a method of treatment for adults suffering from major depressive disorders. Many of these patients have taken antidepressants to treat their symptoms but have not seen any significant improvements in their condition.

TMS is a procedure where magnetic pulses target the prefrontal cortex of the brain. Most patients require 20 to 30 treatments to emerge from depression, over 4 to 6 weeks. Treatments usually last about a half hour and many patients experience little to no side effects. This means they can resume their normal day right after treatment. Side effects may include a mild headache after the first couple of treatments. In extremely rare cases, they may experience an epileptic seizure during treatment. This occurs in only 1/10,000 treatments and is much more likely to occur in someone with a history of seizures or severe heat trauma.

TMS is used when advised by your psychiatrist and only after the person has gone through more traditional forms of treatment and have seen little to no results. Before treating a patient with TMS, the psychiatrist will first discuss the benefits of the treatment. Afterward, he will explain what symptoms the patient may experience. Afterward, it is up to the patient to decide whether TMS is right for them. Although it is not the only choice for treatment, it is one of the best out there available today.

To learn more:
Psychiatrist Robert D. McMullen – NYC – Depression Specialist – TMS BrainCare
Location 1: 171 W 79th St #2, New York, NY 10024
Location 2: 344 Main St, Mt Kisco, NY 10549
Phone: 212 362-9635
https://tmsbraincare.com/