What is Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) primarily used to treat?

Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) is primarily utilized as a treatment for major depression, particularly for patients who have not responded well to traditional treatments such as medication and psychotherapy. TMS involves the use of magnetic fields to stimulate nerve cells in specific areas of the brain associated with mood regulation.

The procedure is non-invasive, which means it doesn’t require surgery or the placement of electrodes, making it an appealing option for many patients. The effectiveness of TMS in alleviating symptoms of major depression has been supported by various clinical studies, leading to its FDA approval for this use.

While there are ongoing research efforts exploring the potential applications of TMS for other conditions, such as anxiety disorders, PTSD, and schizophrenia, its primary and most established use is in the treatment of major depressive disorder. This distinguishes it from the other options listed, which may involve other therapeutic approaches or interventions that are tailored to their specific conditions.