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Veterans commonly experience a number of challenges after leaving active military service, and the transition back to civilian life is not always a smooth one. Many veterans return home with invisible injuries: PTSD, depression, and anxiety, and these challenges can be just as debilitating as physical injuries.
Nearly 20 veterans die by suicide every day in the U.S., a devastating reality that highlights the need for alternative, effective treatments that are often not achieved from medication and therapy alone.
In recent years, there has been a growing acceptance of a new option for treatment called Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS). How does TMS assist veterans in remedying their mental health issues? Let’s take a look.
Transcranial magnetic stimulation is a non-invasive technique that involves using magnetic fields to activate nerve cells in the brain. TMS specifically focuses on areas of the brain associated with mood, which is why it can be useful in treating depression, PTSD, and anxiety.
The procedure is performed with the patient’s head positioned comfortably and a magnetic coil placed near the scalp. There is a short, specific pattern of pulses that will activate nerve cells; one pulse will eventually help to rewire actual circuits in the brain associated with emotional regulation, mood, and emotional control. After several sessions, patients typically will experience improvements in their overall mood, focus, and performance with daily activities.
Veterans often leave combat environments with PTSD. Flashbacks, nightmares, and hypervigilance make it extremely difficult to go about daily life, to have relationships, and to find work.
Veterans have rates of depression far greater than the general population. Most tragically, suicide has become one of the leading causes of death among U.S. veterans.
Stigma, side effects of medication, and barriers to care prevent many veterans from accessing care at all.
The FDA approved TMS for the treatment of depression in 2008 and approved TMS for OCD in 2018. Many TMS clinics are now using it for PTSD, and the increasing acceptance by more clinics has made it accessible to our veterans.
TMS does not have systemic side effects like weight gain, drowsiness, or sexual dysfunction related to medications.
Clinical trials and veterans who testify to TMS occupational therapy modalities highlight the restoration of hope and functionality of veterans after the failure of other options.
1. Reduces Symptoms of Depression:
TMS helps veterans recapture the motivation to take action to overcome feelings of hopelessness.
2. Decreased PTSD Triggers:
TMS reduces sensitivity to trauma-related cues, making it easier to get through the tasks in day-to-day living.
3. Improved Sleep Quality:
Many veterans report sleeping better and more deeply in the days after TMS.
4. Improved Emotional Regulation:
Easier control of emotions can limit angry outbursts and irritability.
5. Reduced Anxiety Levels:
Magnetic stimulation reduces overactive brain circuits related to anxiety.
6. Increase Cognitive Function:
With repeated sessions, focusing, memory, and decision-making increase.
7. New Hope for Treatment-Resistant Depression:
For veterans with treatment-resistant depression, TMS represents a new avenue for treatment.
8. Long-lasting Effects:
The benefits of TMS last months to years, especially if maintenance sessions are obtained.
9. Increased Propensity to Engage in Daily Life:
Increased levels of functioning yield greater productivity at work with better family relationships, more engagement in leisure activities, and improved overall quality of life.
10. Low Incidence of Side Effects:
Except for very mild discomfort to the scalp during stimulation for most patients, TMS has very low overall side effects.
11. Increased Resilience:
Veterans often describe feeling more resilient in dealing with stressors.
12. Social Reintegration:
Improved mood and more newer stability in mood allow for improved social engagement with others.
13. Improved Self-Confidence:
With improved mental health comes self-confidence in being able to manage everyday life successfully.
14. Personalized Treatment Plans:
TMS is a personalized approach to treatment; there are no standard dosages or combinations of TMS that are the same, unlike medications.
15. Improved Overall Quality of Life:
The cumulative effect of the above-mentioned benefits contributes to improved overall quality of life.
TMS vs. Medications:
Around one-third of patients fail to respond to antidepressants, which work for many. TMS circumvents the systemic side effects of medications to offer another option.
TMS vs. Talk Therapy:
Therapy is important, but for veterans with ingrained neurologic patterns, TMS may speed up recovery.
Typical Misconceptions About TMS:
Some people think TMS represents “shock therapy”. In actuality, TMS is painless, safe, and largely more advanced.
Accessibility and Cost Concerns:
Despite the cost of TMS being a large expense, more insurance plans are covering it, and the VA is running programs allowing the use of TMS.
VA Coverage and Policies:
The Department of Veterans Affairs is now offering TMS as a treatment option for eligible veterans.
How can Veterans identify certified TMS providers?
Veterans can find available providers in VA clinics, private clinics, and organizations that specialize in mental health.
Support Networks and Resources
Organizations like the Wounded Warrior Project and the National Center for PTSD provide information and financial support.
With TMS therapy, it’s more than just a new medical treatment; it represents a stand offering critical support for those veterans who are suffering from invisible wounds. With a proven record of benefits, including pain and depression relief, and improved quality of life, TMS therapy provides an opportunity for real hope when other medical means possibly fail.
Moving forward with this breakthrough, we cannot only respect and honor veterans with gratitude but also offer them authentic remedies to restore dignity, health, and purpose.
Also, Do Read This: How TMS Helps Military Members & Dependents
