TMS for Schizophrenia in Los Angeles
Schizophrenia is a complex, long-term and serious disorder that requires lifelong treatment. Schizophrenia interferes with how a person thinks, acts, feels and perceives reality. When left untreated, schizophrenia can be disabling.
With many psychiatry clinics in Los Angeles, we take pride in offering transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) to treat schizophrenia.
To learn more about TMS treatment for schizophrenia or alternatives such as psychotherapy or medication management, contact us today.
How is Schizophrenia Treated with TMS?
Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) is a safe and effective treatment that delivers magnetic pulses to stimulate the cerebral cortex and decrease psychotic symptoms. TMS is non-invasive (does not require surgery), non-systemic (does not affect the entire body) and well-tolerated.
For schizophrenia, TMS is a supplemental treatment that is meant to be used in combination with other therapies. It is not meant to replace schizophrenia medication.
Many individuals with schizophrenia experience symptoms like hearing voices or seeing things that aren’t there. Unfortunately, medications are not always effective at making these symptoms go away. If your medication does not seem to be working for you, contact your doctor to discuss alternative treatment options.
TMS is not FDA indicated for schizophrenia but several studies is indicating that it helps treat schizophrenia and its symptoms off-label. Call Neuro Wellness Spa today to learn more about TMS or to schedule a consultation.
Schizophrenia Disorder Statistics
Individuals who suffer from schizophrenia usually have shorter lifespans. Many of those suffering with schizophrenia pass away earlier than expected with 40% of those deaths are attributable to suicide.
Signs & Symptoms of Schizophrenia
If you believe you or a loved one may have schizophrenia, treatment options are available. It is important to contact your doctor for diagnosis and treatment.
Symptoms of schizophrenia usually begin between the ages of 16 and 30, and rarely appear after age 45. Early symptoms may include losing friendships, failing classes at school, or losing interest in activities that were once enjoyable.
Medical professionals categorize the signs and symptoms of schizophrenia into 3 categories:
- Positive
- Negative
- Cognitive
Positive Symptoms
Positive symptoms are generally not seen in healthy people and may include losing touch with reality such as:
- Hallucinations – seeing or hearing things that are not there. A common schizophrenia hallucination symptom is hearing voices.
- Delusions – individuals will struggle fighting off false beliefs such as paranoia (the delusion that someone is trying to harm you).
- Losing train of thought – another common sign includes thought disorders. Individuals will forget what they were about to stay in the middle of a sentence or makeup words as they speak.
Negative Symptoms
Negative symptoms involve disruptions in normal emotions and behavior. For example:
- Losing interest in plans after you set a date with someone
- Inability to finish an activity
- Loss of enjoyable feelings and emotions
- Self-care neglect like not bathing
Cognitive Symptoms
Cognitive symptoms may involve changes in cognitive ability, memory or other aspects of thinking:
- Forgetfulness or poor memory
- Trouble paying attention
- Difficulty making decisions or retaining information
What is Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) Therapy?
TMS is both non-invasive and non-systemic. It has fewer side effects than other treatments. In some cases, no side effects at all. Other treatments rely on deep brain stimulation or vagus nerve stimulation. Unlike those treatments, TMS does not require electrode implantation or surgery. It will not cause seizures or require the use of anesthesia sedation. In fact, TMS will not affect cognitive function. Patients can go about daily activities following treatment.
At our office, we show you exactly how the process works before your first session. When you make an appointment, you’ll see in person how TMS looks, and feels.
TMS safely treats symptoms of ocd, anxiety and depression. It relies on the use of magnetic energy. This stimulates parts of the brain affected by mental health disorders.
It began as a treatment option for non-responsive depression. Since, it has grown to include other disorders as well. However, it remains a depression alternative treatment option for many people. The Neuro Wellness Spa is one of the top providers of TMS therapy.
FAQ – TMS For Schizophrenia
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Is TMS Effective for Schizophrenia?
Off-label TMS* for helping treat schizophrenia has been studied for several years now. Research has shown that TMS is a safe, non-invasive treatment with minimal side effects. It has been approved for major depressive disorder by the FDA and continues to be researched.
*TMS is FDA-cleared for depression, migraine, Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder, cigarette cessation, anxious depression, adolescent depression, and chronic post-traumatic/surgical pain. Research indicates that TMS to also be helpful for bipolar depression, anxiety, and cognitive impairment. Other uses for TMS therapy are considered “off-label.” However, there is a growing body of research indicating the potential benefits of these off-label applications for a variety of mental health conditions. Please consult with a psychiatrist to learn more about TMS and off-label uses.
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How Long Does It Take for TMS to Start Working?
The time it takes for TMS to start working depends on the individual and their genetic make-up. Response time can be anywhere from one week to four weeks. If TMS doesn’t show results immediately, it doesn’t mean that it isn’t effective. It simply takes some people longer for their brain to adjust to the changes.
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Can TMS Exacerbate Schizophrenia Symptoms?
TMS has been researched for over 15 years and has not shown any incidents of worsening an individual’s condition.
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How Successful is TMS for Treating Schizophrenia?
TMS is considered a safe treatment with minimal side effects. The most serious side effect is risk of seizures; however, this is extremely rare and usually only occurs when the TMS coil is misplaced. The FDA approved TMS in 2008 for major depressive disorders. Ten thousand sessions were then conducted in a clinical trial, and there was not one single seizure occurrence. This innovative treatment shows promise for treating schizophrenia.
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Why Use TMS to Treat Schizophrenia?
Schizophrenia treatments usually consist of antipsychotic medications. Often, these types of medicines are not as effective as doctors would like. In fact, it’s thought that almost one-third of schizophrenic patients don’t respond well to antipsychotic medications.
There is a strong need for alternative remedies when treating this disorder, and TMS has shown positive progress towards schizophrenic treatment. However, do not stop taking schizophrenia medication without supervision from a doctor.
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Are Other Therapies Recommended Alongside TMS Treatments for Schizophrenia?
Psychotherapy for schizophrenics can be used in solo sessions, in group therapy, and combined with medication (Either TMS or antipsychotics). Team-based treatments offer positive outcomes because the individual receives a strong support system motivating them to continue treatment and keep up with their weekly goals.
Following TMS treatment, therapy gives the patient the opportunity to track changes and discuss their progress. Call us today to have your any questions about TMS combined with therapy answered.
