TMS For PTSD
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Houston West TMS
William K. Drell, M.D.
TMS Specialist located in Houston, TX
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a condition that requires professional help to restore calm and balance to your life. If you or a loved one has PTSD, help is available at Houston West TMS in Houston, Texas. William Drell, MD, is a Brainsway Deep Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (Deep TMS) specialist and board-certified psychiatrist who offers noninvasive magnetic therapy to people living with PTSD. Call the office or request an appointment online to learn about TMS for your PTSD.
Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation for PTSD Q & A
What causes post-traumatic stress (PTSD) disorder?
PTSD develops following trauma. You may associate the condition with military experiences, but war is just one form of trauma that can cause the condition.
People who have survived a car accident or another life-threatening event may experience PTSD. Some children may experience PTSD after physical or sexual abuse. Violence can also cause PTSD in children and adults, too.
When will I notice PTSD?
PTSD symptoms may begin almost immediately after the traumatic event. However, some people may not exhibit symptoms for years afterward. Many PTSD cases remain undiagnosed for this reason; thus, many people go far too long without treatment.
What are the symptoms of PTSD?
Symptoms of PTSD present differently depending on the person. Usually, they fall into one of four categories:
Intrusive memories
You may experience recurring, unwanted memories of the disturbing event. It’s possible to relive the event in the form of flashbacks or disturbing dreams, resulting in emotional distress.
Avoidance
It’s common for people with PTSD to avoid discussing the trauma for fear of triggering memories or emotions. You may avoid people, actions, or places that remind you of the circumstances that led to the traumatic event.
Physical or emotional changes
Feelings of guilt or shame are common in people with PTSD. Others may have difficulty controlling their anger and aggression. PTSD can make it so that you’re easily frightened and feel as if you’re always on guard and in danger. PTSD drives some people to engage in self-destructive behaviors.
Negative thinking
Feelings of detachment, hopelessness, numbness, or memory issues may persist after a traumatic event. Connecting with other people, including those closest to you, is difficult. You also may find little enjoyment in things you used to love.
How is PTSD treated?
PTSD is usually treated with psychotherapy and medication, Psychotherapy, for example, offers a safe and supportive setting in which you can discuss, examine, and let go of your traumatic experiences. Medication often helps to alleviate PTSD symptoms. If you are not achieving the results you desire, Deep TMS may offer another option.
These noninvasive sessions require no drugs but help stimulate nerves in your brain to control the symptoms of PTSD and any accompanying depression. TMS is FDA approved for depression but not for PTSD. TMS is an off label treatment for PTSD and is not covered by health insurance yet.
Don’t go another day with untreated PTSD — call Houston West TMS or request an appointment online to learn about your options.
