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What can a veteran do when traditional treatments for depression, anxiety or PTSD have failed? Trauma is complex and at times traditional therapies have proven to be ineffective.
Where a veteran has tried traditional antidepressants and engaged in talking therapies with little success the options for treatment can seem sparse.
The use of TMS (Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation) could help to provide some relief. Under the supervision of a psychiatrist, a veteran can engage in TMS therapy to complement their current treatments.
TMS uses electromagnetic stimulation of the brain to help cultivate new neural pathways in the brain. There used to be a scientific theory that once the adult brain was damaged there was no way for that damage to be repaired, it has since been shown that the brain in fact has ways to repair itself and learn how to rewire to be able to perform functions. This is called neuroplasticity.
The brain works in very complex ways and the “rewiring” of neural pathways like any part of the body, takes time and work. The application of TMS can help kick-start the process of adapting new neural pathways.
Conditions it has been shown to be effective for are:
That’s where TMS is helping Australian Veterans with long-lasting results.
TMS is proven to be effective in reducing the symptoms of mental health problems, even where antidepressants have previously been found to produce unsatisfactory results. Research also proves the success of TMS in helping with depression, anxiety and PTSD – to the point where many veterans no longer meet the threshold criteria for having PTSD.
At the first appointment, the patient will talk with a psychiatrist about the treatment plan. They will be escorted into a comfortable chair with a technician or TMS practitioner.
During the entire treatment, you will remain awake and the treatment does not require any anaesthetics as it is relatively painless.
The technician will measure the patient’s head, to ensure the personalisation of the treatment.
Normally the treatments are performed 5 days/week for 4-6 weeks however a medical practitioner will make a recommendation.
Trauma is complex and at times traditional therapies have proven to be ineffective. Where a veteran has tried traditional antidepressants and engaged in talking therapies with little success the options for treatment can seem sparse. The use of TMS (Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation) could help to provide some relief.
To be able to connect you with TMS services the support of a Veteran Wellbeing Officer (Social Worker) is required. The Veteran Wellbeing Officer assists with providing the necessary information, risks, benefits and consent to help veterans make an informed choice.