OCD and rTMS
[vc_row row_scroll_icon="no"][vc_column][vc_column_text] Around seven out of 10 patients with obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD) will benefit from cognitive behavioural therapy in the form of exposure and response prevention, or medication, or a combination of the two treatments. However, if you do not experience symptom relief with these therapies, you may find Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (rTMS) to be more effective. rTMS uses magnetic stimulation to stimulate areas of the brain that regulate mood. Alternative treatments for OCD have, in the past, been limited. rTMS offers a viable alternative, does not require medication or surgery, and patients do not have to undergo downtime after treatment. rTMS is a groundbreaking new OCD treatment that has a high degree of success. [/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row row_scroll_icon="no" css=".vc_custom_1500285514329{padding-top: 20px !important;}"][vc_column][eltd_accordion style="toggle"][eltd_accordion_tab icon_pack="" title="What is obsessive compulsive disorder?"][vc_column_text] OCD is a mental health disorder that centers around obsessions (repeated thoughts, urges and/or worries) and compulsions (actions that are acted out in order to reduce anxiety caused by the obsession). OCD is often portrayed as a compulsion for cleaning objects or oneself, but this is a very simplified depiction of one common OCD-related compulsion. [/vc_column_text][/eltd_accordion_tab][eltd_accordion_tab icon_pack="" title="What are the existing treatments for OCD?"][vc_column_text] If you have OCD you may be able to adopt coping strategies, build a support network and manage your stress in order to alleviate the symptoms of OCD yourself. This can be accomplished alongside cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), particularly exposure and response prevention (ERP), which involves being exposed to the anxiety-causing obsession and learning to control the need to act out the compulsion. Medication may also be offered alongside or instead of CBT. [/vc_column_text][/eltd_accordion_tab][eltd_accordion_tab icon_pack="" title="What is rTMS?"][vc_column_text] Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (rTMS) is used here at The London Psychiatry Centre to treat a number of mental health conditions, including OCD. It is a pain-free, non-invasive therapy that does not require the use of medication. rTMS produces highly successful results in the treatment of OCD, and is often undergone by patients who have had unsuccessful experiences with other treatments. [/vc_column_text][/eltd_accordion_tab][eltd_accordion_tab icon_pack="" title="What does rTMS involve?"][vc_column_text]You will undergo an initial assessment, during which the clinician can confirm the diagnosis of OCD. If the diagnosis is confirmed, the clinician will run through an rTMS safety checklist to gauge your suitability for the treatment. They will then explain to you the process of rTMS, before proceeding with treatment. You will sit comfortably in a chair with an rTMS device positioned on your head. The device uses a magnetic field which influences...
Depression Treatment With rTMS
Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (rTMS) is a cutting-edge, non-invasive depression treatment that has minimal side effects. It has achieved success where antidepressant drugs have failed....
What Happens During rTMS Treatment?
Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (rTMS) treatment with The London Psychiatry Centre is as relaxed as possible. During treatment you will be comfortably seated in a chair with your head leaning back. A vacuum pillow is placed around your neck to support your head. You will be required to wear a personalised cotton cap during treatment. This allows us to ensure correct positioning of the coil, which will deliver the magnetic pulses. The treatment will be delivered using a magnetic coil. The coil is normally positioned on the left or right Dorso-Lateral Prefrontal Cortex (an area a few inches above the temple beneath the skull). You will be still for the duration of your treatment (approx 30 minutes). We will do everything we can to ensure our patients are at ease during the treatment. rTMS treatment is completely non-invasive and you won’t need to be sedated. Some patients do experience slight tingling sensations or headaches at the start of the treatment but your nurse will make sure you feel comfortable throughout the procedure. You will be able to go straight back to work after the treatment. Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (rTMS) treatment is a cutting edge treatment, but the nature of this is that patients are sometimes wary. Research has shown that rTMS provides effective treatment for depression without the side effects normally experienced with traditional medication. [vc_row row_scroll_icon="no" content_aligment="center"][vc_column][eltd_icon icon_pack="linear_icons" linear_icon="lnr-phone" size="eltd-icon-medium" type="normal" icon_animation=""][vc_column_text]If you have any questions about the rTMS procedure or would like to book in for a consultation, please call us now on 020 7580 4224.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]...
How Much Does rTMS Cost?
Treatment for depression using rTMS is short but intense. You will have five sessions each week. The average treatment length is four to six weeks. Some patients have reported benefits from the first week. The cost of the initial assessment with the psychiatrist is £750 and rTMS is £2,000 per week. You will also require a review appointment with the rTMS consultant each week to re-prescribe your treatment and review your progress. Indeed, because of the cost of this state of the art equipment and the level of expertise involved, rTMS cannot be a ‘cheap’ treatment. But, when we consider the benefits, the cost pales in comparison. rTMS treatment for depression, anxiety, pain management of fibromyalgia, and tinnitus is available on a private basis at The London Psychiatry Centre without the need for referral or long waiting lists. [vc_row row_scroll_icon="no" content_aligment="center" css=".vc_custom_1500370122595{margin-top: 20px !important;}" el_id="contact-text"][vc_column][eltd_icon icon_pack="linear_icons" linear_icon="lnr-phone" size="eltd-icon-medium" type="normal" icon_animation=""][vc_column_text]If you would like to speak to us about how this cost is spread out over the course of your treatment, please call our team on 020 7580 4224.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]...
What Are The Side Effects Of rTMS?
The side effects experienced from Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (rTMS) are very minimal. rTMS is an effective depression treatment without the traditional side effects of medication. Short term side effects you may experience include headaches, tingling or discomfort at site of treatment and lightheadedness. Studies have shown that although long term negative side effects from rTMS are minimal, there is a very small risk of seizure with rTMS, however according to the University of Michigan, in 10,000 treatments there was not a single seizure episode recorded. [vc_row row_scroll_icon="no" content_aligment="center" css=".vc_custom_1500370122595{margin-top: 20px !important;}" el_id="contact-text"][vc_column][eltd_icon icon_pack="linear_icons" linear_icon="lnr-phone" size="eltd-icon-medium" type="normal" icon_animation=""][vc_column_text]If you would like more information on the side effects of rTMS or would like to book a consultation with one of our experts, please do call us on 020 7580 4224.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]...
Is rTMS Safe?
Here at The London Psychiatry Centre we have an extensive body of knowledge covering thousands and thousands of patient examples. Numerous clinical trials, medical research studies and peer-reviewed articles have confirmed the value of Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (rTMS) in treating treatment-resistant depression. You can rest assured that rTMS is regarded as a considerably safe treatment, with very low risk of side effects. Frequently, it works where other interventions have failed. rTMS treatment is completely non-invasive: it doesn’t require any needles or anaesthetic. Since the only thing entering your body is pure energy, rTMS is free from the many side effects associated with antidepressant medications (stomach complaints, lowered libido, etc.). It is administered as an outpatient procedure for just over half an hour per session. [vc_row row_scroll_icon="no" content_aligment="center"][vc_column][eltd_icon icon_pack="linear_icons" linear_icon="lnr-phone" size="eltd-icon-medium" type="normal" icon_animation=""][vc_column_text]If you would like more information about rTMS or would like to speak to a member of our team about booking a consultation, please don’t hesitate to call us on 020 7580 4224.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]...
What Is rTMS?
Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (rTMS) is an effective, drug-free, non-invasive treatment for depression which uses magnetic stimulation to stimulate areas of the brain that regulate mood. The human brain is inherently an electrical organ that functions through the transmission of electrical signals between nerve cells. rTMS treatment works with your body’s natural processes by simply increasing the number and frequency of such transmissions. rTMS employs magnetic energy to stimulate an area of the brain that regulates mood. As such, it can selectively alter activity in concentrated areas of the brain, bringing about desired effects that have been shown to be helpful in treating a variety of mental health problems. Research has shown that a large proportion of patients who were unresponsive to antidepressant medication experience a significant improvement in their depressive symptoms when treated with rTMS – one in three of these patients completely recovered. How Does Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (rTMS) Work? rTMS influences electrical brain activity through a pulsed magnetic field. This magnetic field is created by passing quick current pulses through a coil of wire. The coil of wire is encased in plastic and placed close to a client’s scalp in order for the magnetic field to be focused on particular areas of the brain. The magnetic field can safely penetrate the scalp and scull without pain, to create a current in targeted brain cells. Because this stimulation is given at regular intervals it is referred to as repetitive TMS, or rTMS....
rTMS Treatment Results
[vc_row row_scroll_icon="no"][vc_column][vc_column_text][/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row row_scroll_icon="no"][vc_column offset="vc_hidden-sm vc_hidden-xs"][vc_column_text] [embed width="560" height="315" ]https://www.youtube.com/embed/4I01XfQYQio[/embed] Video: rTMS Treatment Results [caption id="attachment_5523" align="alignright" width="428"] Figure 1a: The London Psychiatry Centre Recovery Rates[/caption] [caption id="attachment_5519" align="alignright" width="428"] Figure 1b: Incremental Change (per week) in Patient Improvement[/caption] [caption id="attachment_5520" align="alignright" width="428"] Figure 1c: Scatter Graph Comparing rTMS Treatment to Duration of Illness[/caption] At The London Psychiatry Centre we champion evidence-based treatments for psychiatric problems. We want to see our patients get well; as safely and swiftly as possible. When we decided to introduce repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (rTMS) in our clinic it was with prolonged and careful study of the evidence from trials and data spanning several thousand patients in the USA and Canada. We are pleased to say that our own early work with this ground-breaking treatment is bearing the same kinds of incredibly positive results. The chances of full recovery with multiple drug changes and cognitive behaviour therapy are at best up to 1/3, compared to 2/3 with rTMS at The London Psychiatry Centre in just four weeks. At The London Psychiatry Centre, 59% of women and 62% of men who have been treated for Treatment-Resistant Depression (TRD) with rTMS have recovered. We studied a sample of 252 of our patients with treatment-resistant depression in July 2020. These were patients who had been unable to achieve satisfactory results with antidepressant medication. 61% achieved remission (full recovery) within 6 weeks (4 weeks on average) and most were shown to be well for between 1-12 months with maintenance. 35% were non-responders to treatment, 3% responded and the symptoms were shown to have improved by 50% and 1% responded and their symptoms have improved by 75%. There have been no side effects noted. When the STAR D patients were followed up for 12 months after completing their treatment, only 2.7% of patients were well and accounted for, compared to 45% with rTMS with maintenance. We therefore recommend maintenance to our patients in order to maximise the chances of staying well. Note: The comparison results quoted above are when rTMS is compared with figures of the STAR-D protocol for the treatment of resistant depression, the most advanced evidence-based protocol in the world. Such swift, sustained results in patients who have suffered, on and off, for an average 10 years of unrelenting depression, are staggering. In fact, we have found that rTMS patients can return to work within a few weeks of starting treatment – as opposed to the average of nine months with...
Fibromyalgia And rTMS
[vc_row row_scroll_icon="no"][vc_column][vc_column_text] Here at The London Psychiatry Centre we offer treatment for fibromyalgia patients suffering with widespread pain, severe fatigue and chronic sleep disruption. Living with fibromyalgia can be truly debilitating and can leave you feeling unwell, overwhelmed and wanting answers. Many patients, particularly women, suffer for years without the proper diagnosis or treatment, but fortunately research over the past 10 years has provided a much deeper understanding of both the biology of fibromyalgia and the influences upon the condition.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row row_scroll_icon="no" css=".vc_custom_1500285514329{padding-top: 20px !important;}"][vc_column][eltd_accordion style="toggle"][eltd_accordion_tab icon_pack="" title="What Causes Fibromyalgia?"][vc_column_text] It is believed that fibromyalgia can result from a genetic predisposition which is triggered by an injury, an illness, life events or ongoing stress. The different body systems respond, resulting in a blend of physical and psychological symptoms. More often than not, the condition will occur in conjunction with other recognised pain syndromes such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), migraine, bladder dysfunction or temporomandibular disorder. These functional pain syndromes manifest in different body systems, yet are largely underpinned by the same biological mechanisms. This means that we can target these mechanisms for an overall effect upon the sensitivity and pain. [/vc_column_text][/eltd_accordion_tab][eltd_accordion_tab icon_pack="" title="What Are The Existing Treatments? "][vc_column_text] It’s an unfortunate fact that thousands of people live in pain because they have been misdiagnosed or not treated properly. Many self-medicate with basic pain killers or are dismissed by their doctor time and time again. What many don’t realise, is that with accurate diagnosis and a comprehensive course of treatment, fibromyalgia can be managed effectively. The prescription of suitable medications, physical therapy, and small lifestyle changes can make living with fibromyalgia much more comfortable. [/vc_column_text][/eltd_accordion_tab][eltd_accordion_tab icon_pack="" title="What Is rTMS And How Can It Help With Fibromyalgia?"][vc_column_text] Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (rTMS) is a ground-breaking treatment for chronic depression used here at The London Psychiatry Centre. The results have been extremely positive as it is a highly effective, pain-free, and non-invasive option for those who are suffering. Additionally, research has now shown us that rTMS is not only a successful option for depression, but also for the management of fibromyalgia. Patients have seen improvements with just a few sessions of rTMS, effectively treating the chronic pain of fibromyalgia. The analgesic effects of the treatment make way for an overall reduction of pain, whether it be sensory or emotionally derived — enabling a lift in mood and a better quality of life. The London Psychiatry Centre is collaborating with rheumatologist Dr Stephanie Kaye Barrett and pain physiotherapist Richmond Stace to provide...
rTMS And Pregnancy
It is estimated that over 10% of pregnant women are depressed at any given time. Depression during pregnancy is associated with poorer outcomes for the baby, such as premature birth, lower birth weight, and higher rates of postnatal complications. Maternal depression may also affect the bonding process between mother and baby after birth. The National Institute for Clinical Excellence (NICE) states in its guidance on rTMS for the prevention of migraine that there is a role for this treatment in the reduction or avoidance of drug therapy in pregnancy. Avoiding the use of drugs in the treatment of depression in pregnancy is also desirable. Is rTMS Safe During Pregnancy? [embed width="425" height="239"]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gGi--tHJjc4[/embed] Video: Dr Rafael Euba talks about depression and pregnancy in this informative seminar presented at The Private Pregnancy UK Show 2016 in London. As no sedation or analgesia is required, rTMS offers a powerful treatment without exposing the foetus to the potentially harmful effects of drugs that cross the placenta during pregnancy, or contaminate the mother’s milk during the nursing period. There is limited experience of the use of rTMS in pregnancy. However, every report published so far in the medical literature clearly suggests that rTMS remains effective and safe during pregnancy. We have outlined just two studies below but all other published studies show positive outcomes: Ten depressed women in the second or third trimester of pregnancy were treated with 20 low frequency rTMS sessions. Seven of ten improved. No adverse pregnancy or foetal outcomes were observed. Kim et al, 2011. An Open Label Pilot Study of Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation for Pregnant Women with Major Depressive Disorder JOURNAL OF WOMEN’S HEALTH 2011;20:255-261 Thirty depressed pregnant patients received high frequency rTMS for three weeks. The treatment was effective and well tolerated and no safety concerns were reported. Sayar et al. Transcranial magnetic stimulation during pregnancy. Archives of Women’s Mental Health 2013; DOI:10.1007/s00737-013-0397-0 rTMS should be considered as an option for pregnant women who are depressed and who wish to avoid potentially harmful drugs during their pregnancy. The needs of each individual pregnant woman will need to be considered and an assessment of the potential benefits and risks of each specific intervention carried out, including psychotherapy. rTMS may also be an ideal treatment option for depression during the nursing period. [vc_row row_scroll_icon="no" content_aligment="center"][vc_column][eltd_icon icon_pack="linear_icons" linear_icon="lnr-phone" size="eltd-icon-medium" type="normal" icon_animation=""][vc_column_text]If you are pregnant and would like to find out whether rTMS treatment is suitable for you, simply call us on 020 7580 4224 to speak...
