Post Traumatic Stress Disorder by itself is often crippling. The price one pays in terms of mental, emotional and physical exhaustion from being in a constant state of "Fight or Flight" and the intrusive memories often leads to depression. The depression from PTSD is especially debilitating as it is often infused with a sense of powerlessness and hopelessness over the PTSD symptoms. It is not uncommon for a person with PTSD and depression to come to the tragic conclusion that there is no hope for them, that they are doomed to live a life of exhaustion and torment. The isolation and despair that accompany this are often devastating.
Thankfully, breakthroughs in our understanding of the neural networks involved in PTSD have led to innovative and effective treatments. The most outstanding of these is Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation ("TMS"). TMS is all the more fascinating in that it has virtually no side effects, works quickly and is entirely safe. TMS has special effectiveness in quieting the agitated/anxious symptoms of PTSD that drive the intrusive memories. Patients report new-found relief from the agitation, memories and nightmares of PTSD and a lifting of the cloud of depression that often accompany these PTSD symptoms. TMS has revolutionized the care of PTSD and depression.
