TMS is a safe and effective treatment for patients suffering from a range of mental health disorders, including anxiety. Originally used to treat long-term depression, Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation has also been used as an effective treatment for conditions like ADHD, Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder, and more. Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation is non-invasive and is a great option for patients who have exhausted other treatment options. It is also effective as a complementary therapy.

Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation involves using electrical currents to activate certain areas of the brain. These brain regions are responsible for things like mood regulation and emotional processing. Using one-off or repetitive TMS treatments can alleviate anxiety symptoms over time and improve your general quality of life. Carried out in a comfortable and relaxing environment, our treatments can offer you a gateway to more manageable and stable mental health. Contact TMS Elevated in Park City, Utah, for more information.

Does TMS Work for Anxiety?

TMS is an FDA-approved treatment and can be effective in reducing or managing anxiety symptoms. Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation can reduce anxiety symptoms after just one treatment or after several repeated sessions. Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation has also been shown to have a positive effect on common mental health conditions, such as depression and ADHD. As many anxiety sufferers also struggle with adjacent mental health conditions, magnetic stimulation can be an excellent supplement to other treatments, like medication or ongoing therapy.

What Is TMS?

TMS stands for Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation and refers to a non-invasive mental health treatment that is usually carried out in a controlled, clinical environment. Transcranial Magnetic treatments use electrical currents to create a magnetic field in parts of the brain. This magnetic movement causes stimulation in areas of the brain that are associated with managing mood. Non-invasive transcranial treatments involve having a magnetic foil placed on the scalp to gently manipulate the brain area with electrical currents.

By stimulating these areas, transcranial magnetic treatments can alter our mental state and have an effect on mood regulation, which is frequently disrupted in those with mental health conditions. During the treatment, magnetic pulses are delivered through the scalp, stimulating cells within the targeted brain region. For instance, for patients suffering from depression, the prefrontal cortex will often be targeted for stimulation. This is because this region is often underactive in those suffering from depression.

What Is Anxiety?

While short periods of anxiety are a normal emotional response to stressful or dangerous situations, chronic anxiety or anxiety disorders are disruptive mental health conditions. Patients may suffer from ongoing, generalized anxiety, usually diagnosed as General Anxiety Disorder or GAD. This usually refers to chronic anxiety that has no obvious source or where the cause of fear constantly changes.

Anxiety disorders can also cover things like phobias (irrational or exaggerated fear responses to certain objects or scenarios) and panic disorders. Panic disorders are usually characterized by frequent panic or anxiety attacks, which, in turn, feed the fear of having more panic attacks. Patients may also suffer from social anxiety, which is the specific fear of social situations, or compulsive disorders, like OCD. Other forms of anxiety may include obsessive worry about your health or specific conditions, like post-partum anxiety.

How Does Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation Work?

Repeated Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation treatments can reduce depression and anxiety symptoms over time by changing the brain’s general makeup. Our neural pathways and brain cells have a high level of plasticity. This means we can, to an extent, shape and mold our neural response to stimulus. This is also why treatments such as Cognitive Behavioural Therapy are effective; they encourage us to build and strengthen certain neural pathways through repetitive thoughts and behaviors.

Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation works in a similar way by repeatedly stimulating certain neural pathways. What’s more, when one area of the brain is targeted and stimulated, this has a knock-on effect. This means that connected neurons elsewhere in our brains are also activated. This can lead to increased connectivity between certain brain regions, which may be underactive or overactive in patients who have depression or anxiety.

Which Mental Disorders Can Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation Treat?

Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation can positively impact a range of mental health symptoms. Although some patients may require repeat treatments over time, other patients may feel the benefits after just one or two sessions. Magnetic neural stimulation can be used to treat conditions like:

• Depression
• Anxiety
• Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder
• Attention Deficit Disorder
• Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder
• Addiction
• Mood Disorders
• Tinnitus
• Chronic Pain Disorders

 

Who Can Have Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation Treatments?

TMS treatments were approved by the FDA in 2013 and are considered a safe treatment for most people. Patients usually undergo psychiatric evaluation before they have transcranial magnetic therapy to assess whether or not the treatment is likely to benefit them. Some implants or prior health conditions may prohibit patients from having transcranial magnetic treatments. However, for the vast majority, these treatments are perfectly safe. Patients who may not be eligible for Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation are as follows:

• Individuals who have suffered a severe stroke
• Patients with existing brain injuries
• Patients with aneurysm clips
• Patients with stents
• Patients with cochlear implants
• People who suffer from seizures
• Patients with vagus nerve stimulators
• Children or patients under age 16
• Patients with a history of bipolar or psychosis

 

Who Is Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation Suitable For?

Patients who opt for transcranial magnetic stimulation usually have ongoing mental health problems. Transcranial magnetic stimulation is a great option for patients who have not responded to medication or to talking or CBT therapies. It is also an excellent option for patients who have found medication helpful but who do not want to live with long-term medication side effects.

As it is totally non-invasive, transcranial magnetic stimulation is also a great option for breastfeeding mothers. Breastfeeding mothers may not wish to take mental health medication as it can transfer through breastmilk to their infants. Transcranial stimulation options are also well suited to people who want to reduce the amount of medication they take or who want to try a more holistic solution to mental health issues.

What Can You Expect at Your TMS Appointment?

Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation does not require any anesthetic and will usually take less than one hour to complete. It can even be quite a relaxing experience. Once you have had your psychiatric assessment, you can book your appointment and have the treatment performed at our center. When you arrive for your appointment, you will be able to recline in a comfortable seat while the treatment is administered. You will also be given earplugs to wear.

A large magnetic coil (shaped like a figure 8) will be attached to your head throughout the treatment. Before the treatment starts, your practitioner will also determine where the coil should sit and what dosage you should be given, based on your specific mental health needs. You will be awake throughout the treatment and may feel a mild tapping sensation on your forehead or hear some clicking noises. The treatment is completely painless.

Can I Drive Myself to my Appointment?

The short answer is, yes. You do not need to take any pain relief or other medication throughout your transcranial treatment so your awareness should not be affected. If you are undergoing several rounds of treatment in one week, you will be able to drive yourself to and from them. You should also be able to continue your day-to-day tasks as normal. This is also the case if you are having more sporadic treatments over a long period of time.

Are There Any Side Effects Associated with this Treatment?

Compared with many other mental health treatments, transcranial magnetic stimulation treatments have minimal side effects. This makes them a popular choice for people who have experienced strong adverse reactions to medications in the past. Some patients report mild scalp discomfort or a slight headache after their round of treatment.

Occasionally, you may also experience some facial twitching or spasms. However, practitioners usually view this as a sign that you may need a lower dose so this should not be a recurring side effect. Any mild side effects should resolve quickly and further reduce as your treatment course proceeds.

Why Choose Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation?

Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation can have an extremely positive effect on your life and mental well-being, especially if you are seeking a holistic treatment for chronic anxiety. With minimal side effects and totally non-invasive treatment sessions, it is easy to fit Transcranial Treatments into your daily life. Reach out to us at TMS Elevated in Park City, Utah, for more information. Contact us today!

Many people experience a traumatic event at some point in their lives. This could be warfare, a physical or sexual assault, a major accident, a sudden death in the family, or a natural disaster. Sometimes, such a situation can cause post-traumatic stress disorder, which makes it difficult for the patient to move on. Here at Lopez-Larson & Associates in Park City, UT, we offer a variety of treatments for PTSD.

Unfortunately, the condition doesn’t usually go away on its own, and most patients can benefit from working with a professional. Because post-traumatic stress is a serious mental health issue, several treatments might be needed. These could include talking therapy, medication, transcranial magnetic stimulation, and EMDR. Read on to find out more about the condition and to discover whether you could benefit from treatment at the clinic.

Can You Get Rid of PTSD Without Treatment?

Recovering from post-traumatic stress is a long-term process, and it may take you several months or even years to regain your mental health. The condition is complex, and it usually isn’t possible to get better without professional assistance. To make sure you don’t suffer from ongoing symptoms, you should speak to an experienced professional as soon as possible. The earlier your issue is addressed, the easier it is to treat.

However, just because you can’t fully recover on your own doesn’t mean you shouldn’t do all you can to take care of your mental health. Some things you can try at home to support your recovery are connecting with family and friends, taking enough time to relax and pursue your favorite activities, exercising on a regular basis, and limiting your alcohol and caffeine intake.

What Are the Symptoms?

Sometimes, it can be challenging to know whether you are suffering from post-traumatic stress or another type of mental health disorder. Generally, patients who have gone through a traumatic event experience flashbacks, nightmares, negative beliefs about themselves and the world, feelings of alienation, and mood swings. They may be irritable or engage in self-destructive behavior.

Additionally, many people who have post-traumatic stress disorder avoid anything that could remind them of what happened. For instance, they might not visit certain places, engage in certain activities, or associate with people related to the trauma. If you think you might be suffering from post-traumatic stress, you shouldn’t hesitate to reach out to a mental health professional who can diagnose you and help you recover.

Why You Must Address Post-Traumatic Stress

People experiencing the above-named symptoms often feel that there is little point in going on. They might no longer enjoy activities they loved before, and they often have trouble completing their regular tasks. At work, this can lead to subpar performance, and in the patient’s personal life, it can cause a deterioration of the most important relationships.

To prevent further issues such as job loss, addiction, and a lack of social connection, post-traumatic stress must be addressed. By working with a qualified professional, you can regain control over your life and move forward. Although it’s ideal if the issue is dealt with quickly, you can get help at any point. Even if you were traumatized many years ago, you can benefit from working with a mental health specialist.

The Best Treatment Options

Now you know that you can’t recover from PTSD without treatment, you might wonder what a session at the clinic will look like. What methods are used on people with post-traumatic stress, and how do they work? Here at Lopez-Larson & Associates, we use five main forms of therapy. We might begin by speaking to you about your trauma and finding out why you are suffering from stress disorder.

Then, we can decide whether you would benefit from taking some medication. Sometimes, calming down the body’s trauma response system and regulating the patient’s brain chemicals is the best way forward. Additionally, we can offer you support groups and innovative methods such as transcranial magnetic stimulation and EMDR. Because post-traumatic stress is a serious condition that can threaten your life, we often combine two or more of these treatments.

Talking Therapy

If you’ve never spoken to a specialist about your post-traumatic stress, you shouldn’t delay contacting Dr. Melissa. She will invite you to an initial consultation at the clinic, during which you can tell her what happened and how the event has influenced your life. Because she has many years of experience in this field, she will be able to assess your symptoms and come up with a customized and highly effective treatment plan.

Often, this includes speaking to a mental health specialist on a regular basis. Therapy is a great way of healing from trauma because it allows you to be open and vulnerable and work through your emotions. Your therapist is a neutral person you can speak to. They will treat your situation with compassion and equip you with important coping strategies. What’s more, every session is confidential, so you can open up without worrying about any consequences.

Medication

Talking therapy on its own isn’t always enough to help patients heal from serious post-traumatic stress. Going through something very traumatic can alter the way the brain works. While you know that the situation isn’t likely to recur, your body is constantly trying to protect you from danger. Sometimes, the use of medication is the only way to calm down your system and help you get rid of your symptoms.

Mental health professionals can prescribe several types of medications. SSRIs and SNRIs are the most commonly used options. They are antidepressants that increase the levels of serotonin, a chemical that improves mood, in the brain, and they are often used on patients who experience anxiety or depression. Since up to 50% of people suffering from post-traumatic stress also have severe depression, SSRIs and SNRIs are often a good solution.

Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation

Transcranial magnetic stimulation is a non-invasive treatment that stimulates nerve cells in the brain through magnetic stimulation. It was cleared by the FDA in 2013 and has helped countless people struggling with severe depression and related issues such as addictions. Initially, it was only used when other treatments weren’t effective, but in recent years, it has become more and more popular.

Since no surgery is involved, you won’t need to stay at the clinic after your appointment. In fact, your TMS session will last between 5 and 45 minutes. When you speak to Dr. Melissa, she can let you know how often you need to be treated. Most patients benefit from having TMS four to five times a week for approximately six weeks. After this initial course of treatment, we can reevaluate your situation and determine whether you need further appointments.

EMDR

Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing is a type of therapy that can help people to recover from trauma and PTSD. At first glance, it may seem unorthodox, but it has been well researched over many years. The underlying concept is that our physical state is interwoven with our emotional well-being. During your session, your doctor will move their finger in front of your face and ask you to follow it with your eyes.

At the same time, they will ask you to recall a traumatic event in your life. Once you’ve visualized your trauma, they will slowly bring your mind back to more pleasant thoughts. This technique can weaken the effect negative emotions have on your wellbeing and therefore reduce your symptoms.

Support Groups

Recovering from trauma is a long and hard process. But fortunately, you’re not alone. Thousands of people in your area are going through the same process. Connecting with some of them and sharing your experiences could be a great way to facilitate healing. Dr. Melissa runs several groups and would be happy to include you in her Monday Mental Wellness session or her Confident Parenting Program.

Get Rid of Post-Traumatic Stress for Good

If you don’t get treated, it’s unlikely that you will fully recover from your post-traumatic stress disorder. Most patients require several different treatments like talking therapy, medication, transcranial magnetic stimulation, and EMDR. When used in combination, these methods can permanently reduce or even eliminate the symptoms of PTSD.

The best way to find out which type of treatment you can benefit from is to speak to an experienced professional. Get in touch with us today at Lopez-Larson & Associates in Park City, UT, and book an initial consultation with Dr. Melissa. She has more than 15 years of experience working with adult patients and will be able to assess your situation quickly and accurately. When working with her, you have the best chance of recovery.

People from all walks of life suffer from depression. As a result of this condition, they might struggle with low mood, feelings of hopelessness and guilt, a lack of energy, insomnia, and poor concentration. Here at Lopez-Larson & Associates in Park City, UT, we frequently treat patients with this mental health condition. Usually, the first step towards healing is finding out what the reason for the person’s low mood is.

There are many different causes of this problem, and each patient is different. Often, there is more than one reason why a person consistently feels depressed. For instance, they might be processing a traumatic event from the past, worried about the future, and lonely at the same time. Today, we’ll have a look at some of the most common reasons why people feel down and discuss what you should do if you or a family member is affected by low mood.

What Are the Most Common Causes of Depression?

Feeling depressed once in a while is normal. We all have good and bad days, and our emotions fluctuate. But if your negative thoughts crowd out all other feelings and you have trouble performing your day-to-day tasks, you should see a mental health specialist. They will be able to figure out what the problem is and help you find appropriate solutions.

Often, people become depressed for a number of reasons, and there isn’t a single cause. Genetics and a family history of mental health concerns make it more likely that a patient suffers from low mood or anxiety. Additionally, long-term stress, certain personality traits, or a traumatic event can contribute to the problem. Many people with a severe or chronic illness and those who struggle with addiction also have trouble regulating their mood.

Genetics and a Family History of Mental Health Problems

Problems with mental health can occur in anyone, but they are more likely to affect people who have relatives suffering from a similar condition. In fact, recent studies have shown that the risk of being depressed or anxious increases by about 25-50% if there is a family history of mental health disorders.

Therefore, people with a genetic predisposition should always take good care of their mental health. If your parents, aunts and uncles, or grandparents are depressed, make sure you lead a healthy lifestyle that includes enough sleep, plenty of exercise, and a healthy diet. Additionally, you should focus on building up a strong support network of family and friends who can prevent you from feeling down or lonely.

A Traumatic Event

Although genetics play a role in mental health, life events are even more important. Most people who have had a life-threatening accident, experienced the death of a loved one, been assaulted, or witnessed an attack on someone else have long-lasting symptoms that include low mood and anxiety. It can take several months or even years to come to terms with such an occurrence, especially if you don’t get the treatment you need.

In fact, people often suffer from post-traumatic stress disorder after a major incident. This condition can cause patients to feel depressed and anxious, and they might have flashbacks and trouble sleeping. If you notice that you can’t find joy in your regular activities anymore after a traumatic event, you shouldn’t delay speaking to an expert.

Long-Term Worries and Stress

Sometimes, patients can’t pinpoint a single event that caused their depression. Instead, their stressors build up gradually until they can no longer enjoy their life, and they begin to feel down all the time. Common issues that cause long-term stress include financial worries, a toxic work environment, and interpersonal problems at home. In the US, nearly half of the population believes that stress has negatively affected their behavior in the past.

Additionally, more than three-quarters of Americans suffer from symptoms such as tiredness and headaches that are caused by stress. Although low mood is one of the most common problems related to long-term worries, it isn’t the only one. Over time, you could develop circulatory diseases that could lead to premature death. For this reason, you shouldn’t let stress-related issues slide. Speak to a professional about your worries as soon as possible.

Certain Personality Traits

We are all different, and some people are more prone to feeling depressed than others. For instance, people who tend to suffer from low self-confidence or those who are overly self-critical often suffer from low mood. Additionally, introverted individuals and those who are very emotionally sensitive are more likely to have issues with low mood.

If you’re a natural worrier, you must take good care of your mental health at all times. Take steps to manage your concerns before they spiral out of control. For instance, you could reach out to family and friends and meet with a support group on a regular basis.

A Severe Illness

Patients who suffer from a severe illness such as a circulatory disorder, cancer, or Parkinson’s disease feel depressed for a variety of reasons. Firstly, they might be worried about how their condition will affect them in the future. Some might be afraid that they will pass away as a result of their illness, while others might worry about what their life will look like once their health deteriorates.

Additionally, many people with a chronic illness are in pain, which contributes to their low mood. Although talking therapy can help them, these patients usually require medication to reduce their discomfort.

Substance Abuse

Some people who struggle with low mood turn to alcohol or recreational drugs. While these substances may make you feel better in the short term, they can’t remove the underlying cause of your mental health condition. In the long run, addictions make the problem worse, not better. Patients addicted to drugs or alcohol may become more aggressive, apathetic, irritable, and even suicidal.

What’s more, substance abuse can lead to financial problems, especially if the patient loses their job due to their addiction. If you or someone you know regularly consumes too much alcohol or drugs, you should contact a specialist.

Loneliness

Loneliness is a serious problem in the US. While it affects various groups of the population, certain people are more susceptible to it, particularly mothers with small children, young adults, and retired people. Some studies estimate that the consequences of loneliness are as detrimental as those of smoking or obesity. In fact, people who don’t have adequate social ties are around 30% more likely to die early than those with a robust network.

If you suffer from low mood because you don’t have enough social contact, you should speak to a mental health professional near you. They can help you learn new ways of meeting people and interacting with the world around you.

Giving Birth

Many women suffer from depression after they give birth. This is because their hormonal balance changes, causing low mood, apathy, and sluggishness. Although this condition is usually temporary, it can be very disruptive, especially since the patient has to take care of a newborn as well as themselves. Talking therapy, antidepressants and self-care can all help new mothers to feel better.

How Can Low Mood Be Treated?

There are many reasons why people are unhappy for prolonged periods of time, and low mood is extremely common. It is estimated that around 280 million people around the world feel depressed on a regular basis. Here at the clinic, we approach each patient as an individual and find customized solutions for their mental health concerns. When you first reach out, we will invite you to a meeting, so we can discuss your background and the reasons for your worries.

Once we know why you suffer from low mood, we can come up with several treatment options. We might ask you to alter your lifestyle, help you develop a better mind-body connection, prescribe supplements and medication, or suggest Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation. Often, several of these methods are used to address a patient’s concerns.

Get Rid of Your Mental Health Condition Now

Currently, there is a mental health crisis in the US. People are more anxious and depressed than ever before. There are various reasons why depression is such a prevalent condition, but some of the most common triggers are long-term stress, a traumatic event, a severe illness, loneliness, and substance abuse. Some women also suffer from low mood after giving birth.

Luckily, there are people in your community who can help you or your depressed loved one get better. Treatment usually begins with an initial consultation, during which you can explore the reasons for your low mood. Then, you and your specialist can come up with a treatment plan. Call us now at Lopez-Larson & Associates in Park City, UT to book a session with Dr. Melissa and her team.

Experiencing some nervousness or worry is perfectly normal and is part of the body’s response to life’s many stressors. Most healthy individuals experience worry in response to stressful events around important issues such as family, work, and the environment. However, individuals struggling with General Anxiety Disorder (GAD) experience anxious thoughts and negative feelings persistently, even in the absence of stressful events. GAD may seem like an incurable condition, but at Dr. Melissa Lopez-Larson & Associates in Park City, UT, we have the necessary tools and expertise to alleviate the symptoms of GAD today.

What Is General Anxiety Disorder and How is it Diagnosed?

Feeling anxious from time to time is absolutely normal and the sign of a healthy, working nervous system for someone whose life is fast-paced, high-pressure, or otherwise stressful. However, experiencing excessive, ongoing panic, apprehension, or nervousness that feels uncontrollable may be a sign of GAD. It is important to seek the health of a mental health professional if nervousness or worry is interrupting your daily activities.

GAD is a mental health condition that can develop in both children and adults with symptoms similar to Panic Disorder, Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder, Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, and other mental health conditions. However, despite the overlap in symptomatology, GAD is a unique condition that poses long-term challenges for those who live with it. It is common for GAD to occur comorbidly along with mood disorders, such as depression, neurological conditions such as ADHD and autism, as well as other mental health conditions.

What are the Signs and Symptoms of GAD?

In order to be diagnosed with GAD, an individual must report experiencing excessive worry for a duration of at least 6 months. Additional symptoms of GAD include:

• Persistent worrying that is disproportionate to the events or stressors causing worry
• Overthinking
• Over-planning
• Devising solutions to all possible worst-case scenarios
• Perfectionism
• Requiring constant external validation
• Perceiving all situations and events, including those that are safe, as threatening
• Indecisiveness
• Choice paralysis/fear of making the wrong decision
• Feeling restless, inability to relax
• Difficulty concentrating
• Difficulty handling uncertainty or dealing with change
• Fatigue
• Insomnia or irregular sleep
• Muscle tension
• Muscle aches
• Excessive sweating
• Irritability
• Nausea
• Stomach issues such as IBS or frequent diarrhea
• Headaches

In kids and teens, symptoms of GAD can show up in more unassuming ways, such as feeling overly anxious about fitting in with their peers, spending excessive time ensuring their homework is “perfect”, worrying about catastrophic events, or avoiding school or social situations. Perfectionism is another tell-tale sign of GAD in youths. If you are concerned that your child or teen may be struggling with GAD, please don’t hesitate to give us a call. Dr. Melissa Lopez-Larson is educated in child and adolescent psychiatry and would be happy to provide your teen or child with a youth psychiatric assessment.

What Causes GAD?

There are many factors that may contribute to the development of GAD, including genetics, psychological factors (such as differences in brain chemistry), and psychosocial factors (such as upbringing and personality). It is possible for people with GAD to have a history of traumatic or negative childhood experiences, chronic medical illnesses, or other significant life changes. Having recently experienced traumatic or negative events can also contribute to the development of GAD. Typically, women are diagnosed with GAD with somewhat greater frequency than men.

Is It Possible to Treat General Anxiety Disorder?

Receiving treatment for GAD can be the difference between surviving and thriving. Living with GAD is not only exhausting as it manifests in both mental and physical symptoms, but it can also rob you of life’s many joyful experiences, such as fulfilling relationships and employment. Thankfully, there are many treatment options available to alleviate symptoms of this disorder. Treatment for GAD is designed to address the severity of a patient’s symptoms; for some individuals, simple habit adjustments can effectively alleviate symptoms. Forever, more intense interventions may be necessary.

Kundalini Yoga

For patients whose feelings of worry or apprehension are on the mild to moderate side, mind-body techniques can be excellent interventions to calm the nervous system and rebuild positive neural pathways. Research has found practicing Kundalini yoga to be a moderately potent intervention for GAD; studies demonstrated that practicing this form of yoga regularly effectively reduces the frequency and intensity of anxious thoughts in adults with GAD.

While the psychology of the past focused on treating mental health conditions through the mind alone, modern approaches to mental health and awareness are more holistic, acknowledging that trauma and negative feelings are stored in the body. By encouraging patients to get back into their bodies, yoga and other forms of exercise can effectively calm the vagus nerve and offer clarity and peace of mind to those struggling with GAD.

Meditation and Mindfulness Techniques

Along with yoga, meditation and mindfulness techniques are also effective mind-body approaches to treating GAD. When applied properly, meditation can change your relationship to your thoughts and help you to stay in the present moment. Much of the worry that comes from GAD stems from concerns about the future; by changing your relationship to your thoughts and shifting into a present mindset, meditation can help to significantly reduce the frequency of worrying thoughts. For those with mild to moderate symptoms of GAD, meditation can be an effective solution for finding focus, calm, and balance.

Natural Supplements

Many people underestimate the role that natural supplements can play in treating GAD and other mental health conditions. Especially when treating mild to moderate symptoms, natural supplements can give you the extra boost of support you need to manage GAD. Natural supplements are best when used in conjunction with other treatment solutions, such as therapy and mind-body practices. Some natural supplements we recommend for treating GAD include:

L-Theanine

Studies have shown that L-theanine, a non-dietary amino acid that naturally occurs in green and black teas, can reduce symptoms of GAD. Its effects are relaxing and help to prevent the brain from producing anxious responses to stressful stimuli.

Inositol

Previously known as vitamin B8, inositol is a pseudo-vitamin that has been demonstrated to effectively reduce the symptoms of panic disorders, OCD, and other anxiety disorders.

Kava

This tropical plant produces an active ingredient that has the capacity to affect mood receptors. This ingredient, called “kavain”, is known for delivering feelings of relaxation and even euphoria to those who ingest it. This herbal remedy is ideal for treating those suffering from GAD.

Therapy

Therapy is one of the most effective interventions for GAD and it is recommended for any level of symptom severity. Talk therapy, psychological counseling, or psychotherapy can help you to work through your worries by talking openly with a trained professional. To reduce symptoms of GAD, we recommend developing skills for managing symptoms through Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT).

Widely regarded as the most effective form of psychotherapy, CBT focuses on teaching patients specific skills, thereby placing the management of your symptoms into your hands. Armed with the necessary skills required for managing the symptoms of GAD, you’ll be able to gradually return to activities you may have previously avoided due to your condition. With each success, your confidence will increase and you’ll be able to manage your symptoms with increasingly greater ease.

Prescription Medication

When stronger intervention is needed, prescription medication may be recommended as an appropriate treatment for GAD. Some medications we may prescribe include antidepressants such as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), SNRIs (serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors), and tricyclic antidepressants. Benzodiazepines can also be prescribed for those who experience acute anxiety.

Anti-anxiety medications are habit-forming and therefore are only prescribed when other treatments are not working. Generally, medications are prescribed on a short-term or as-needed basis in order to support other therapeutic measures for managing symptoms of GAD. We do not recommend antidepressants or anti-anxiety medications as the first line of defense, as long-lasting treatments need to target the root causes of GAD. This is why we recommend a full-body, holistic approach to tackle the symptoms of GAD.

Get Your Life Back on Track

If you’re experiencing persistent anxious thoughts and overwhelming feelings of worry, this can become disruptive to your daily activities. GAD is a serious condition that, when left untreated, can rob you of having a full and satisfying experience of life. However, help is only a phone call away. If you are ready to seek help in treating your GAD or other mental health conditions, contact Dr. Melissa Lopez-Larson & Associates in Park City, UT today.

It is estimated that more than 264 million people suffer from depression around the world. This condition is wide-spread and can affect anyone, no matter how well they take care of themselves. Unfortunately, being depressed can have a profoundly negative impact on your brain, which makes recovery more difficult. Here at Dr. Melissa Lopez-Larson & Associates in Park City, UT, we offer a comprehensive range of treatments to address your issue.

Having a consistently low mood is not only related to inflammation in your brain and lower levels of oxygen, but it can actually cause your brain tissue to shrink and stop working properly. This is why getting the help you need is so crucial. Read on to find out more about how your condition affects your brain and what you could do to recover.

What Happens To the Brain During Depression?

Mental health challenges often have complex causes and consequences, and it isn’t always clear which one is which. Although there are increasing numbers of studies done on these issues, they are not yet well researched enough. We are still only just discovering how the brain reacts to a consistent low mood and what chemical causes can trigger this problem.

One of the most worrying factors is that being depressed can affect the volume of your brain. Because the chemical processes inhibit the formation of new connections, many of your most important structures will start to deteriorate. As a result, you will have a much harder time functioning as normal. Let’s have a closer look at how your brain is affected by your mood and what the long-term consequences could be.

A Loss of Gray Matter Volume

Many studies have shown that you may actually lose gray matter volume when you are majorly depressed. The worse your condition, the more likely you are to lose a significant amount of your brain’s tissues. This is triggered by an imbalance in the hormone cortisol, which is the substance responsible for stress. Your hippocampus will produce more of it and thereby hinder your neurons from developing.

Brain shrinkage affects several different areas, such as the prefrontal cortex, frontal cortex, hippocampus, and thalamus, so many of your most important functions, like concentration and decision-making, will be affected. At the same time, your amygdala, the part of your brain that regulates your emotions, expands. This can cause a number of problems like sleep disturbances or further mood disorders.

Inflammation

People who are depressed usually have inflammation in their brains. It is not currently clear which issue causes the other. While some doctors argue that your brain becomes inflamed due to your low mood, others say that the inflammation causes the mental health issue. No matter what, this can be a serious issue because it kills your neurons, therefore causing further issues in your brain.

Neuroplasticity is your ability to change and adapt your function over the course of your life. When your brain is inflamed, this is significantly reduced, so you may not be able to adjust to new conditions. Over the long term, you might start to develop cognitive problems that can further fuel your mental health disorder.

Restricted Oxygen

It is not clear whether being depressed affects your oxygen levels, but there is a possibility that the two are linked. The leading theory states that low mood changes the way you breathe. You are unlikely to take long, slow breaths like healthy people if you are constantly feeling down. This can cause an issue called hypoxia, or, oxygen restriction.

Even if you only have slight hypoxia, you might start to notice some unpleasant symptoms. Many patients will experience bad judgment, memory loss, and reduced motor skills. These problems can then make your mood worse, as you feel that you are not functioning as well as before. As a result, you are stuck in a destructive downwards spiral.

How Can You Address this Condition?

The effects being depressed has on your life can sound scary, and you might worry about the long-term consequences. Luckily, there is a wide variety of treatments available that can stop you from getting worse or from developing severe mental health issues in the first place. The best way to find out more is to visit your local specialist, Dr. Melissa Lopez-Larson, and find out what treatments she suggests.

No matter the severity of your disease, you deserve to get the help you need. We prefer a multi-pronged approach, which means that we’ll attack your condition in a variety of ways and resolve both the cause and symptoms. In addition to traditional medication, we might choose to treat you using transcranial magnetic stimulation, supplements, mediation, and lifestyle changes.

Medication

Antidepressants are the most commonly known treatment for people who are clinically depressed. They work amazingly well and can help you function normally, even if your condition is severe. It is thought that they increase certain chemicals called neurotransmitters in your brain and therefore lift your mood, but specialists are still researching how exactly this medication works.

Once you start to take your pills, you will most likely feel better after just one or two weeks. While some people will be advised to keep taking antidepressants indefinitely, most will stop around six months after their symptoms have subsided. Thus, you could be back to normal in less than a year, and you won’t have to suffer in the meantime.

Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation

Transcranial magnetic stimulation, also called TMS, delivers a magnetic pulse to your brain that can stimulate the nerves in the part of your brain that regulates your emotions. This can reactivate those regions that have become less functional since your depression and therefore lift your mood. If traditional medication doesn’t work well for you or you’d like to try a non-chemical treatment, this could be an excellent choice for you.

Many people start to notice a difference after as little as two weeks, although it takes longer for some. Depending on your condition and your goals, we will treat you at the clinic for several weeks or even months. However, the sessions are minimally invasive, so you won’t need to stay at a hospital overnight or undergo a lengthy recovery process.

Supplements

Countless Americans are malnourished, although they might not realize it. In fact, around 75% of us are chronically dehydrated, and 90% are missing one or more nutrient on a daily basis. It goes without saying that this can cause many issues, both physical and mental. Dr. Lopez-Larson will examine your diet to see if you are missing any important vitamins or minerals that could be contributing to your problem.

In particular, people who are not consuming enough of certain types of vitamin B could be at risk. This group of nutrients helps regulate emotions in your brain. Similarly, seasonal depression is sometimes linked to a deficiency in vitamin D or melatonin, and your issue could be greatly reduced if you take these supplements.

Meditation

Therapy is a crucial part of recovering from being clinically depressed. In fact, medicine is not recommended in mild cases. Instead, a combination of making positive lifestyle choices, talking therapy, and meditation can be an effective way to address such mental health conditions. Mindfulness-based meditation can be particularly effective because it helps you to be in the moment and release damaging thoughts about the future and the past.

Here at the clinic, we believe that meditation is an integral part of your healing process, so we will often combine it with some of our modern medicine methods. While the latter will resolve your chemical imbalance or issues in the brain, meditation can allow you to address the emotional reasons for your condition.

Exercise and Nutrition

Finally, your lifestyle plays a huge role in how successful your treatment will be. No matter how long you come to the clinic for TMS or medication, you won’t fully recover unless you build up a healthy, sustainable lifestyle. Our specialists will help you work through your current challenges and find new ways of building healthy habits.

For example, they can encourage you to find types of exercise that you enjoy and work with you to improve your diet. This might include taking some supplements as well as learning to create new, more nutritionally balanced, meals.

Tackle Your Mental Health Condition Now

Depression is a complex condition that affects the brain in a number of ways. Because everyone’s situation is different, we offer a wide variety of treatments and will often combine several methods to help you heal fully. Call us now at  Dr. Melissa Lopez-Larson & Associates in Park City, UT to speak to a specialist. We will be happy to come up with an action plan and help you get the better of your condition.

Traumatic events such as a motor vehicle accident, a sexual assault, a natural disaster, or the unexpected loss of a family member can have a profound impact on our mental health. This also goes for ongoing events such as serving in the military or being a first responder. You may develop PTSD symptoms that are hard to address alone. Fortunately, we at Lopez-Larson & Associates in Park City, UT offer an integrated program that resolves these issues.

If you’ve gone through something traumatic and are now not feeling well, you might wonder if you are suffering from post-traumatic stress. This could be the case if you have intrusive memories, nightmares, mood issues, and are feeling alienated from your loved ones. To find out more, you should get in touch with a professional and explain your symptoms to them. They can then give you a formal diagnosis and start addressing some of your underlying issues.

What Is PTSD?

Post-traumatic stress occurs after you have gone through something painful and shocking. You start to feel unsafe and worried about the future, and this can affect your life in a variety of ways. Many people struggle against these feelings because they are ashamed or worried about appearing weak. But this condition is very common, and around 6% of the population will experience it at some point in their lives.

Instead of fighting against the pain, there are productive steps we can take to manage it. Let’s first have a look at some of the symptoms you might be experiencing, then go into the various ways we treat post-traumatic stress at the clinic.

Intrusive Memories and Nightmares

One of the most common issues people with this condition experience is intrusive memories and flashbacks they can’t get rid of. You might relive the stressful situation over and over, and in some cases, you may feel as if you were there again. These memories can happen spontaneously, or they can be triggered by a certain sound, smell, or sight.

Often, they will occur at night and interrupt your sleeping patterns. You may dream about the incident and have trouble getting a good night’s rest. This can then affect your ability to function during the day because you won’t have the focus or concentration you usually do. What’s more, it can significantly impact your intimate relationship.

Avoidance of Related Activities

If your post-traumatic stress was caused by a very specific situation, you may develop an aversion to the activity you were doing at the time. For example, someone who is experiencing problems due to a motor vehicle accident could have trouble getting back into a car. Similarly, the victims of sexual assault often experience issues with their sexual function and wellbeing.

This is your body’s way of protecting you from danger, and it is a natural response. However, it can also limit your life, so you need to address it as soon as possible. The more you avoid the activity or situation, the worse your fears will get. Over time, they could become phobias. The best way forward is to get counseling and slowly release your anxiety.

A Negative Outlook

The fear and trauma you’re feeling can affect the way you see the world. Many sufferers of PTSD have a negative outlook on life and can’t see how things will get better again. They might feel sad and depressed all the time, and they may have trouble imagining a future for themselves and their family. As you can imagine, this isn’t healthy in the long run and needs to be resolved.

Mood Issues and Alienation

Mood swings are a common problem faced by people with this condition. While you might sometimes feel cheerful, your mood can turn dark quickly and seemingly without cause. Of course, this impacts all your most important relationships and makes it difficult to interact positively with others.

You may also feel that you are alone and that nobody truly understands what you are going through. As you work towards recovery, you will discover how to best build up a new relationship with your loved ones and communicate your struggles to them.

Problems Functioning Normally

When you’re carrying around the weight of your memories and experiencing challenging emotions, it can be hard to function like you used to. Many people with post-traumatic stress can no longer perform as well at their job. This is partly due to the fact that their mind is occupied with processing what happened and partly because they can’t sleep as well as they used to.

In addition, the negative outlook you experience could cause you to value your job and regular activities less. Some patients struggle to see the point, which is a clear sign of depression. If you no longer enjoy activities you used to love, it’s time to see a professional and get treatment.

How Can You Get Better?

This extensive list of symptoms might sound overwhelming, but help is available. People who get counseling and treatment for their post-traumatic stress symptoms can usually recover and live their life as normal. Dr. Melissa and her team believe that the best approach is a comprehensive one, which means that they will most likely combine several of the methods listed below to treat your symptoms and address the problem at the root.

Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation

TMS is a non-invasive method of improving depression by stimulating certain nerve cells in the brain. Magnetic fields are used to change the way your nerves fire and increase activity in the areas of the brain that improve your mood. This type of treatment can be used on people who don’t respond to other methods or who need a faster result.

While the effects of antidepressants may take a month to six weeks to become noticeable, TMS works almost instantly. Your session will take between 20 and 40 minutes, and many patients report improved mood within the first week of treatment.

Medications

One of the most effective ways of reducing symptoms of depression and anxiety is the use of medications. Scientists know that these conditions occur because of an imbalance of chemicals in your brain, and the easiest way to regulate them is through antidepressants.

While drugs don’t address the root cause of the problem, they can be a good way to make you feel like yourself again. Once you are not depressed, you can more effectively start to address the reason why you are suffering from PTSD.

EMDR

Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing is a therapeutic method that involves recalling the event that caused your post-traumatic stress while making eye movements. Often, you will be following the therapist’s finger with your eyes while thinking about your trauma.

This can help you to recognize that you are now safe and that there is no longer a need for the negative symptoms you have been experiencing. In this way, it can be a more permanent solution and, over time, reduce the need for medication and TMS.

Trauma Therapy

Aside from EMDR, there are other types of therapy we might employ to help you let go of your negative emotions. Your therapist may decide to include cognitive-behavioral treatment, mindfulness-based therapy, or trauma-informed yoga that can help you integrate the body and mind. These solutions are designed to have a long-term impact on your wellbeing and help you recover fully from what happened.

Which Approach Is Good for Me?

As you can see, there are many different ways of addressing post-traumatic stress. Your specialist will evaluate your situation to find out what the underlying issue is and what acute symptoms you are experiencing. Then, they will suggest some of the above methods to you. A combination of symptom relief and long-term counseling usually works best, as it allows you to feel better and address the root cause of the problem at the same time.

Resolve Your Post-Traumatic Stress Now

PTSD can affect anyone who has gone through something traumatic, whether it is a one-off event or an ongoing problem. You might experience many distressing symptoms like memories and nightmares, a negative outlook on life, alienation from your friends and family, mood issues, and problems performing your normal tasks. There are several types of therapies that can help you get better, and usually, a combined approach is best.

Here at the clinic, we offer transcranial magnetic stimulation, various types of medications, EMDR, and trauma therapy. Your doctor will evaluate your individual situation and help you decide which of these methods is best for you. Contact us today at Lopez-Larson & Associates in Park City, UT to find out more and book your first appointment with Dr. Melissa and our experienced team.

If you or someone you love has been battling depression, anxiety, OCD, addiction issues, or other similar conditions and have tried to treat those conditions with little to no success, we want to introduce you to a treatment that can change everything. At TMS Elevated in Park City, UT, we offer TMS treatments that can make all the difference in alleviating these symptoms and conditions.

How Successful Is TMS?

This TMS treatment is such a successful treatment because it addresses depression and mood irregularities at their source. It can change brain activity by stimulating the nerve cells in the brain.

These treatments address depression, anxiety, addiction, and other such conditions at the source, the frontal region of the brain, and can deliver up to an 80 percent success rate. This revolutionary treatment takes a holistic approach to depression and other such conditions, and it doesn’t require prescription medication to see results.

What Is TMS?

TMS stands for Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation and is a noninvasive treatment intended to help treat and alleviate the symptoms associated with and caused by depression and other similar conditions. It uses magnetic fields to target and stimulate specific areas of the brain, specifically the nerve cells, to help deliver a successful outcome.

How Does It Work?

A typical TMS treatment involves the pulses of magnetic energy through a device with a coil that is fitted over the patient’s head. The primary objective is to target the frontal region of the brain. The frontal region is the location of the brain responsible for depression, anxiety, and addiction.

What Does It Treat?

Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation is FDA approved to treat OCD and addictive tendencies, including nicotine addiction. It also has some off-label uses and can help treat and alleviate the symptoms associated with PTSD, anxiety, depression, tinnitus, and chronic pain.

What Happens During a Treatment?

Patients describe the TMS treatment process as relaxing as they don’t have to worry about any pain or discomfort during a session. To begin the session, the patient will be situated in a reclining chair. Once situated, the technician may take a series of measurements to ensure accuracy in positioning the device for treatment.

Personalizing Your Session

The technician will then personalize the treatment by testing the motor threshold, meaning they’ll administer enough power to cause a twitching reaction to ensure that the brain is receiving an adequate amount of energy for brain cell stimulation. A large figure eight magnet coil will be placed on the patient’s head, specifically near the brain area that requires treatment.

The technician will turn on the machine to begin the treatment session. The patient will feel a mild tapping sensation for the duration of the session and may hear clicking sounds during the treatment as the technician utilizes the device.

How Long Do Treatments Last?

Treatment time is completely based on the patient’s needs and treatment plan. Treatments can take anywhere from five to 45 minutes to complete. When you come in for your consultation, and we determine that this treatment is the best option for you, we will devise a treatment plan and, at that point, can give you a better idea of how long you can expect your treatments to take.

How Many Treatments Are Necessary for Results?

The total number of treatments necessary to see an improvement in your symptoms and condition will vary based on the severity of your condition and your treatment plan. Typically, we recommend that patients undergo sessions four to five times a week for a total of six weeks. This treatment plan aims to ensure that the brain does change and that those changes last indefinitely.

Is There Any Downtime?

Therapies designed to stimulate the brain and reduce the symptoms of depression have always been associated with downtime and side effects, but thanks to revolutionary advancements, there is now a solution that doesn’t result in detrimental side effects or a lengthy recovery period.

There is no downtime associated with this treatment. It is non-invasive, so patients are free to drive themselves to and from their sessions. Once the treatment is over, they can resume all of their normal daily activities.

Who Is It Right For?

This treatment is an effective solution for those who struggle with OCD, depression, PTSD, addiction issues, ADHD, chronic pain, and neurological issues like tinnitus. For those who have tried it all and want an alternative solution, this treatment makes an effective option. The following individuals make good candidates for this treatment:

• Those who want to take a holistic approach to treating their condition and in doing so, avoid medication
• Breastfeeding mothers
• Individuals who do not want to begin a regimen with prescription medications to treat their symptoms
• Individuals who have sought to treat their depression with medications unsuccessfully
• Individuals who cannot tolerate the side effects of prescription medication

While many individuals will qualify for this treatment, there are some that will not. The following do not qualify for treatment due to safety reasons:

• Those with a history of seizures
• Children or adolescents under the age of 16
• Those with metal in their brain, specifically metal located near the treatment site
• Individuals who have had a severe brain injury
• Those who have suffered from a stroke
• Those with stimulator implants
• Individuals with cochlear implants or vagus nerve stimulators

 

The TMS Elevated Difference

At TMS Elevated, we take a holistic approach to treat your condition. Your treatment goes beyond a treatment session. When you choose our office to treat your condition, not only will you undergo transcranial magnetic stimulation sessions, but we will treat you holistically.

We will assess your medication routine, sleep cycles, nutrition choices, and exercise routine. All of these factors affect your mood and can contribute to your condition in one way or another. Dr. Melissa, our integrative psychiatrist, will design a plan that works alongside your treatment sessions to help you see positive changes and achieve the best results.

A Difference in Treatment and Protocols

One of the ways that we set ourselves apart as a treatment provider is through the carefully crafted protocols that we use alongside our treatment sessions. For example, we utilize brain games during treatment to help ensure positive results after treatment. We also offer the option of wellness coaching packages that patients can choose while receiving treatment to help change their lifestyle for the better and experience the best results in every area of their life.

Nutrition

The nutritional choices that you make daily affect not only your health but also your mood. Your brain can be negatively or positively affected by the dietary choices you make, which is why this is an aspect that we take into account during treatment. We will evaluate your nutritional choices and help you direct you towards foods that nourish your brain and your body.

Exercise

Physical activity also plays a role in your mood and affects your brain. The “runner’s high” is real and it’s caused by the release of endorphins in the brain, which promote that feel-good sensation from exercise. You don’t have to become a marathon runner to experience an endorphin-rush; regular physical activity will help release those endorphins in your brain to help you get the best results alongside your treatment.

Sleep

Quality sleep is highly underrated. Your body needs sleep to function optimally, and when you don’t get enough sleep, your body and your overall health will suffer. With our holistic approach, we will take your sleep patterns into account and help you make the necessary changes to get high-quality and restful sleep on a nightly basis.

Getting enough sleep combined with your regular treatment sessions can make all the difference in helping alleviate your symptoms, resolving your condition, and helping you get long-lasting results.

Begin a Life-Changing Journey Today

If you or a loved one is suffering from chronic pain, depression, anxiety, OCD, or addiction and hasn’t been able to find a medication or treatment that delivers results, we can help. Contact us today at TMS Elevated in Park City, UT, to find out more about this treatment, schedule an initial consultation, and begin a life-changing journey towards recovery and a healthy lifestyle.

When psychotherapy and antidepressants are not effectively treating your depression, it’s hard not to feel discouraged. Luckily, there is another treatment option available. Transcranial magnet stimulation, commonly referred to as TMS, works by stimulating the sections of the brain that serve to regulate mood. Dr. Melissa Lopez-Larson and Associates in Park City, UT, offer this alternative treatment for depression and other psychological disorders.

What Is TMS Used For?
Transcranial magnetic stimulation is a simple, non-invasive treatment that involves using magnetic fields to awaken nerve cells in the brain. Then, specific areas of the brain are selected that control depression, anxiety, and mood. Transcranial magnetic stimulation doesn’t require surgery or electrode implantation like deep brain stimulation or vagus nerve stimulation, and no anesthesia is needed. It is a holistic and alternative method to treating a variety of mood and psychiatric disorders.

Depression

This treatment can provide a long-term cure for symptoms of depression. Patients suffering from depression noticed alleviation of symptoms following a course of TMS treatment. If you receive this treatment for depression, you may see an improvement in your mood, renewed interest in your hobbies, and increased energy. Additionally, you may feel more motivated to spend time with family and friends.

Sleep Quality

This treatment is also beneficial for those looking to improve the quality of their sleep. Many individuals find that transcranial magnetic stimulation treatment helps them fall asleep more quickly and sleep more deeply. The improved rest they are getting allows them to awaken feeling more energized and alert.

Anxiety

Transcranial magnetic stimulation stimulates the parts of your brain associated with anxiety, making it a solid choice for patients seeking to improve anxiety symptoms. Patients who have received transcranial magnetic stimulation have reported improvement or eradication of symptoms such as nervousness, sense of impending doom, rapid breathing, difficulty concentrating, and tremours.

Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder

Patients who have not found improvement from traditional obsessive-compulsive disorder treatment methods may find that transcranial magnetic stimulation is the answer to their medical issue. Transcranial magnetic stimulation has been shown to alleviate the symptoms of obsessive-compulsive disorder in patients.

Some patients experience permanent improvement and others experience short-term relief. Typically, patients who undergo longer treatment courses will experience more significant improvements, though results vary among individuals.

How Does Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation Work?

Transcranial magnetic stimulation is a medication and surgery-free method of treating anxiety, depression, and other psychiatric and neurological disorders. Most patients will benefit from a course of non-invasive treatments versus a stand-alone treatment. A magnetic coil shaped like a figure-eight is placed against the patient’s scalp. The magnetic field from the coil stimulates the portions of the patient’s brain that impacts mood, depression, and anxiety.

The stimulated parts of the brain stimulate other nearby areas, creating an increase in brain neuron activity across much of the patient’s brain. However, similar to most things involving the brain, TMS’s exact mechanism is not entirely understood. Despite this fact, the FDA approved transcranial magnetic stimulation for use in treatment-resistant depression since 2013. It is also FDA approved for nicotine addiction treatment and anxiety treatment.

Who Is Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation Right For?

Transcranial magnetic stimulation is an excellent choice for people who have not experienced relief from their mood or psychiatric disorder using other mental health solutions. For example, individuals who are not experiencing a complete cessation of their depression despite using multiple medications may find using transcranial magnetic stimulation eases their symptoms.

In addition, individuals who have anxiety and depression and neither medication nor therapy has helped them are also good candidates. Some individuals may find that taking pharmaceuticals is not an option because of side effects; TMS has significantly lower side effects than medications, making it a relatively low-risk treatment option. Others may choose to omit medicines if they are breastfeeding or prefer a more holistic style of treatment.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation Effective on All Types of Depression?

Studies have shown this treatment to be an effective method of addressing symptoms of all types of depression. In addition, transcranial magnetic stimulation is particularly effective on medication-resistant depression.

Is Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation Painful?

No, treatment is not painful. In fact, during your TMS treatment, you will not need to be anesthetized or sedated. During your session, at most, you may feel a sensation of light tapping on the skin under the coil. Additionally, some individuals may experience a slight headache following their treatment session.

 Am I Eligible for Treatment?

To determine if you are a good candidate for TMS therapy, you will meet with our psychiatrist to decide if sessions will benefit you. Our office most frequently uses transcranial magnetic stimulation to treat obsessive-compulsive disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder, and depression. However, we also use this treatment to help patients dealing with pain and neurological issues, attention deficit-hyperactivity disorder, and addictions.

What Would Make Me Ineligible for Treatment?

Transcranial magnetic stimulation would not be a wise option for an individual with a prior history of seizures or a seizure disorder. In addition, any metal fragments or plates in the skull would also disqualify a patient from receiving this treatment, as metal would interact poorly with the magnetic coil used to stimulate the brain. Also, individuals with deep brain stimulators or cochlear implants are not suited for this type of therapy.

Currently, the FDA has not approved transcranial magnetic stimulation as a treatment method for children under 16. Due to this, our office will not perform treatment on anyone under 16 until it has FDA approval. However, we anticipate the FDA approving this treatment for all ages in the future.

What Should I Expect During My Session?

Transcranial magnetic stimulation sessions are low-stress and require no preparation or recovery time; you will even be able to drive yourself to and from your treatments. Before starting your session, you will be asked to remove any accessories or jewelry that the magnets will impact. You will also be given earplugs to muffle the clicking sound the machine emits during the treatment.

After the treatment has begun, you will feel a sensation similar to a pencil gently tapping on your head, and you will hear the soft clicking of the machine. Depending on your program, the session could last from five to 45 minutes, during which you will be reclining in a comfortable seat. There will be no discomfort during your session. Following the treatment, you will be able to return to normal activities immediately.

Who Will be Performing the Treatment?

A trained medical technician will perform your transcranial magnetic stimulation session. They will remain with you throughout the whole session and be available to answer any questions you have and ensure you are comfortable.

How Often Will I Have Sessions?

The treatment schedule will vary on a case-by-case basis. However, it is common for many patients to come in for transcranial magnetic stimulation treatments four or five days a week.

How Soon Will I Notice A Difference?

Each patient is unique, but it is not unusual for a patient to notice lessening feelings of depression and an improvement in mood during the first week of treatment. The quick results provided by transcranial magnetic stimulation treatment are another reason it is preferable to medication for many individuals. Pharmaceuticals can take anywhere from six to eight weeks to impact mood and cognitive function.

Will Treatments Hurt My Memory?

Unlike some forms of treatment, transcranial magnetic stimulation will not impair your ability to focus or harm your memory. It is commonly used off-book to help patients with severe attention deficit-hyperactivity disorder who are not responding well to medicine.

Will My Insurance Cover Treatments?

Some plans will cover these treatments, but it will largely depend on your medical history. For example, individuals who have unsuccessfully tried four or more antidepressants or been unable to use antidepressants due to side effects may be able to bill their insurer for their treatments.

Additionally, patients on medicare may have their treatments covered if they have tried both psychotherapy and antidepressants unsuccessfully. Always make sure to check with your insurer before beginning any new medical treatment.

Change Your Life Through TMS Therapy

If you’re ready to try a revolutionary treatment to improve your mental health and quality of life, consider transcranial magnetic stimulation. Don’t spend another day wondering what else you can try to improve your depression and anxiety. Instead, call Dr. Melissa Lopez-Larson and Associates in Park City, UT, and make an appointment to discuss treatment options today!

TMS–transcranial magnet stimulation–is a non-invasive, non-surgical, and drug-free way to help conditions that aren’t responding to psychotherapy or antidepressants. At Dr. Melissa Lopez-Larson & Associates in Park City, UT, we use this effective treatment to help with post-traumatic stress disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder, and more.

Understanding TMS

The Basics

TMS uses a magnetic field, generated by a magnetic coil shaped like a figure eight, to stimulate nerve cells in those areas of the brain that are related to mood, anxiety, and even addiction. We simply place this device on the patient’s head, and this medication-free, non-invasive treatment can effectively help with anxiety and depression as well as certain neurological disorders.

Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation has been proven as an effective treatment for all kinds of depression. If your depression is mild, moderate, or even severe, come talk to us about how TMS can help. This treatment has been FDA-approved since 2013 as a treatment for depression that doesn’t respond to psychotherapy or the medications that are normally prescribed to work for depression.

Since 2013, the use of TMS has grown exponentially, and the FDA has recognized its usefulness for more than just depression. It is now also approved for treating addiction issues, obsessive-compulsive disorders, and more. Furthermore, physicians with experience and training even know how to use this treatment for some off-label uses, as well.

Understanding Treatment

Unlike some treatments, Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation is simple and straightforward. There’s no lengthy preparation period required. No anesthesia is needed, either. There’s no laundry list of medication to avoid or lifestyle changes to practice before your treatment begins. The only thing you’ll need to do is remove any jewelry, glasses, or other things that might react to the magnets.

Your treatment will be administered by a trained technician, and this technician will be with you throughout the session. If you’re uncomfortable in any way or concerned about anything, someone will be there to answer your questions and address all your concerns. We will give you some earplugs that help to minimize the clicking sound that the magnets make–which is a bit like the clicking of an MRI scan.

During Treatment

Once you’re all set and ready to go, we will measure your head to ensure that the Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation device is placed correctly and the machine is properly calibrated for your needs. Once it starts, you’ll feel no pain or even discomfort. You will be able to hear the clicking, and you will feel the gentle tapping it makes. This tapping is nothing more than what you’d feel if you tapped the eraser end of a pencil against your head.

Treatment takes between five minutes and about 45 minutes. The duration of treatment will depend on your specific needs, precisely what you’re having treated, and our mutual decisions in consultation about what is right for you. During treatment, you’ll be able to simply relax in our comfortable, reclining chairs. Once treatment is over, you can go straight back to your normal life. There’s no need to change up your schedule, avoid going outside, or give up your ordinary routine during a recovery period.

Understanding the Benefits of Treatment

Relief From Depression

Perhaps the most significant benefit of this treatment is its ability to treat depression that won’t respond to other treatments. This treatment offers the potential to get you back to the hobbies and interests you used to enjoy.

No Schedule Disruption

Appointments are fairly frequent, but, unlike other types of treatments, they aren’t a serious disruption to your routine. You don’t have to worry about waiting for the anesthesia to take hold or wear off, and the sessions themselves are very quick. You can go right back to your normal schedule afterward and there are no nasty medication side effects to worry about.

Lowered Anxiety

This treatment can also help to relieve anxiety and all the unpleasant symptoms that come with it, like nervousness, that sense of impending doom that makes life difficult, difficulty in concentrating, rapid breathing, and trembling.

Better Sleep

Wouldn’t we all love to sleep better? Sleep is restorative, and it’s impossible to overestimate how important regular good sleep is for the human body. Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation can help you sleep more deeply and regularly. When you start waking up refreshed and well-rested every morning, you’ll be amazed at the difference it makes.

Options for Patients Who Need Relief

Another amazing benefit of TMS is that it offers relief for patients who have struggled to get the answers they need through medications and other treatments. If you’ve tried all the traditional ways of treating your anxiety, depression, OCD, and more, contact us. This might be your path forward to recovery.

Understanding Key Questions

Does This Really Work?

Yes! About 70% to 80% of those who are treated with Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation see a big improvement in their depression and other issues. In fact, a lot of people find that their depression is completely resolved once they go through the full series of treatments.

How Long Do Results Last?

Most people who seek this treatment see their results last for at least six months to a year. Other people enjoy their results for even longer.

How Long Does It Take to Work?

This treatment works amazingly quickly. Most people report an improvement in their mood within the first week! While it will take a full treatment to get you to your final results, you should see a change nearly immediately. This is especially amazing when you consider the six weeks it can take for medications to deliver any relief at all.

Is This Electroconvulsive Therapy?

ECT is sometimes used to treat depression, but this therapy is entirely different. In ECT, your brain is stimulated using electricity rather than magnets, and treatment requires sedation and close observation during recovery. TMS is much faster, easier, and simpler.

Does Insurance Cover These Treatments?

It all depends on your personal history. If you’ve already tried other treatments, like antidepressants, and either has not seen a change or have suffered negative side effects, your insurer may cover you for Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation. Whenever you seek any medical treatment, it’s always a good idea to communicate with your insurance provider right from the beginning just for peace of mind.

Understanding Who This Is Right For

Those Who Haven’t Been Helped With Medication

Most people who seek these treatments have already been through psychotherapy or treatment with antidepressants but have not seen the relief they need. This is not uncommon: about 30% of those who have depression find that their condition is resistant to treatment. If that’s the case for you, TMS could be the answer. This is also a good treatment to pursue if you are not able to tolerate the side effects of antidepressants.

Those Who Don’t Have Metal Implants or Seizures

For the vast majority of the population, a magnetic field is no concern. However, if you have a metal implant near your head or a stimulator implant like a cochlear implant, this might not be the right treatment for you. If your metal implant is, for example, a plate in your leg, there’s nothing to worry about. Come talk to us to find out for sure what’s right for you. If you have recently had a stroke or serious brain injury, or if you have a seizure disorder, this might not be the right treatment for you.

Those Who Have Been Cleared by Our Doctor

Although this is an effective treatment, it’s not usually the first treatment recommended for depression or anxiety. It’s important that you be evaluated by Dr. Melissa Lopez-Larson to determine if this is the right treatment for you.

Those Who Can Commit to the Treatment Schedule

The exact treatment schedule will always be based on your specific needs, but once you start treatment, it’s important that your sessions take place on time and on schedule.

Contact Us Today!

Are you frustrated with traditional treatments that don’t work? Visit us at Dr. Melissa Lopez-Larson & Associates in Park City, UT, to schedule your Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation consultation. We can’t wait to help you take the next step towards a brighter, anxiety-free future!

Are you struggling with depression that hasn’t responded to antidepressants or psychotherapy? Transcranial magnet stimulation, or TMS, stimulates areas of the brain that regulate mood and can offer relief from depression and anxiety. TMS treatments, which are offered by Dr. Melissa Lopez-Larson & Associates in Park City, UT, can also help with post-traumatic stress disorder and obsessive-compulsive disorder.

What Is Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation?

Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation is a medication-free way of addressing depression, anxiety, and certain neurological disorders. During treatment, a figure-eight-shaped magnetic coil is placed on a patient’s head and used to create a magnetic field that stimulates nerve cells in areas of the brain involved in mood, anxiety, and addiction. For most patients, a series of these noninvasive treatments is recommended.

Does Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation Work on All Types of Depression?

Yes, this treatment has proven to be effective on mild, moderate, and severe depression.

Is This Treatment Safe?

Yes. TMS was approved by the FDA in 2013 for the treatment of depression that’s not responding to medication or psychotherapy. The use of this treatment has widened, however, and it is now FDA approved for the treatment of obsessive-compulsive disorder and addiction issues as well. There are also several off-label uses of this innovative treatment.

What Can I Expect During My Treatments?

TMS treatments are straightforward and require no anesthesia or preparation. You’ll be asked to remove any jewelry and other items that will react to magnets, and you’ll also be asked to wear earplugs that will minimize the clicking sound this treatment generates. During your first appointment, we’ll take some measurements of your head to ensure that the coil is properly placed and the machine is properly set.

Once treatment begins, you’ll hear clicking and feel a gentle tapping that is much like the tap of a pencil against the skull. You won’t feel any discomfort during the session, which may last anywhere from five to 45 minutes. In fact, you’ll be able to relax in a comfortable reclining chair during treatment. You’ll be able to resume your normal activities afterward.

Who Administers This Treatment?

Transcranial magnetic stimulation treatment is administered by a trained technician who will be present throughout the duration of your session.

How Does This Compare With Electroconvulsive Therapy?

Although it is also used to treat depression, electroconvulsive therapy, or ECT, is a completely different approach. ECT, which is sometimes referred to as shock therapy, involves a brief electrical stimulation of the brain that results in a seizure. The patient is sedated during the treatment and is closely observed afterward.

Who Is TMS Treatment Right For?

You’ve Tried Medication and It Hasn’t Helped

Many of the patients who undergo these treatments have depression that hasn’t responded to antidepressants or psychotherapy. According to some estimates, 30 percent of patients with depression have what is known as treatment-resistant depression, or depression that has proved unresponsive to medication and psychotherapy. For these patients, TMS can be used to augment those traditional treatments or as an alternative.

You’re Unable To Tolerate Antidepressants

Some patients find that the side effects of antidepressant medications are not tolerable. For these individuals, this treatment offers a pharmaceutical-free way of addressing depression.

You Don’t Have Metal Implants

Because of the magnetic field produced during this treatment, it is not recommended for those with a history of seizure disorders or those who have the presence of metal in the brain near the stimulation site. If you have stimulator implants in the head, cochlear implants, or vagus nerve stimulators, you may not be a candidate. Having experienced a significant stroke or a severe brain injury also may disqualify you from treatment.

You Have Certain Other Conditions

Although primarily used to address depression, post-traumatic stress disorder, and obsessive-compulsive disorder, this treatment can also help those struggling with attention deficit-hyperactivity disorder, addiction, neurological issues.

You’ve Been Cleared by Our Doctor

TMS is not usually used as the first line of defense against depression. Patients who undergo this treatment have already been evaluated by Dr. Melissa Lopez-Larson and are under her care. In addition to this treatment Dr. Melissa, an integrative psychiatrist, will likely put together a sleep, nutrition, and exercise plan for you.

You Can Commit to the Treatment Schedule

The treatment schedule varies depending on the patient, but it’s not unusual for individuals to undergo six weeks of appointments, with sessions taking place four or five days a week.

You’re at least 16 Years of Age

This treatment can currently be used only on patients who are 16 years of age or older. We are waiting on FDA clearance to treat younger teens and children.

Does This Treatment Really Work?

The success rate of this treatment is high. Between 70 and 80 percent of patients report a significant improvement in their depression after treatment. Many even find that a complete treatment series fully alleviates their depression.

How Quickly Does It Work?

This treatment offers results quickly, especially when compared with the speed at which antidepressants work. Medications can take as long as six weeks to deliver results. But patients often report an improvement in their mood and alleviation of depression during the first week of this treatment.

How Long Will My Results Last?

There is no definitive information about how long patients who have undergone this treatment enjoy relief from depression and anxiety. Many individuals who go through the full treatment system see their depression ease for six months to a year. Others enjoy their results for longer.

What Benefits Does This Treatment Offer?

It Can Offer Long-Lasting Relief From Depression

This treatment can significantly alleviate depression. It can boost your mood and help you regain interest in your hobbies and other things that once brought you joy. You also may find yourself engaging with friends and family again.

It Will Help You Sleep Better, Deeper

The restorative aspects of a good night’s sleep should not be overestimated. This treatment can help you sleep better and more deeply. You’ll wake up in the morning feeling refreshed and well-rested.

It Won’t Disrupt Your Routine

Although this treatment involves a series of frequent appointments, the sessions aren’t long, they don’t require anesthesia, and you’ll be able to resume your normal schedule immediately afterward. This means you’ll be able to keep up with your job and your routine. You also won’t have to worry about coping with the side effects of medication.

It Will Alleviate Anxiety

Depression isn’t the only condition this treatment can help with. It can also help alleviate symptoms of anxiety, including nervousness, rapid breathing, a sense of impending doom, difficulty concentrating, and trembling.

It Won’t Cause Memory Loss

This treatment won’t impair your memory or your ability to concentrate.

It Offers an Option for Patients Who Have Struggled To Find Relief

One of the reasons why TMS is growing in popularity is that it can offer relief to patients who have struggled to find relief from depression. It’s frustrating when traditional methods of treating depression fail. For patients in this category, TMS can offer a path forward.

Does Insurance Cover These Treatments?

Insurers sometimes cover these treatments, depending on your history. If you have unsuccessfully tried four different antidepressants, or if you’ve struggled with negative side effects brought on by antidepressants, your insurer may cover transcranial magnetic stimulation. Medicare also generally covers this treatment for patients that haven’t found success with antidepressants and psychotherapy.

It’s a good idea to check with your insurer to determine what they will cover before beginning treatment.

Take the First Step Toward Wellness Today

If you’re tired of traditional treatments that don’t work and you’re ready to feel your best again, it may be time to give this innovative approach a try. We can put you on a path toward better health and happiness. Call Dr. Melissa Lopez-Larson & Associates in Park City, UT, and schedule your transcranial magnetic stimulation consultation today!