According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, depression is not just simply feeling sad or down, and it is not just having a bad day either. When the sad mood lasts for long periods of time and already interferes with your normal everyday activities, or if you are struggling with things that you normally do, you may be experiencing depression. Depression is often associated and confused with anxiety, and this is not surprising since anxiety is one of the symptoms of depression. There are various treatments available for people suffering from these disorders, including medications, psychotherapy, or TMS for depression and anxiety.
Depression Vs. Anxiety
How is depression different from anxiety? One symptom of depression is anxiety, but it also includes signs like feeling sad or lonely almost all the time, disliking things that you used to enjoy, feeling irritable or frustrated easily, eating too much or too little, and having either too little or too much sleep. Plus, even when you sleep too much, you still feel tired and struggle with concentrating or remembering details.
On the other hand, anxiety, particularly anxiety disorder, is excessive worrying or fear. Being anxious or nervous is part of life. However, when a person worries excessively almost daily for long periods that last for like months, you may suffer from disorders associated with anxiety. Always feeling anxious or afraid can interfere with your personal life and general routine.
Anxiety and Depression Association of America said that anxiety is fairly common. However, some people may experience more pervasive and persistent anxiety than what others normally experience. Anxiety disorders refer to various but specific psychiatric illnesses related to a person’s extreme fear or worry. For example, generalized anxiety disorder, panic attacks, social anxiety, and phobias are just anxiety disorders that people commonly suffer from.
There are various risk factors involved that contribute to the development of anxiety disorders among people. This may include genetic but also environmental factors and various treatments and therapies can address this.
Anxiety And Depression Medication
Medication for anxiety and depression is quite common, and for optimal results, it is administered alongside therapy. Depending on the severity of your symptoms or if you have comorbidities and other medical conditions, medication for anxiety or depression varies. Some are administered with short-term or long-term medications.
According to a 2013 Medical Expenditure Panel Survey, more than 1 in 6 Americans take drugs such as an antidepressant or a sedative. One of the most common psychiatric drugs taken by the people asked in the survey was antidepressants. Between 2011 and 2014, 1 in 9 Americans has taken at least one antidepressant medication in the past month. This was based on another national survey released by the CDC. There is a stark difference because less than 1 in every 50 people took some kind of antidepressant around three or four decades earlier.
Anxiety and depression medication is crucial to address these medical conditions. According to ADAA, there are four major types or classifications of medications used to treat anxiety disorders. These include selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors or SSRIs, serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors or SNRIs, tricyclic antidepressants, and benzodiazepines.
Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS)
Medications have always been the standard for dealing with depression and anxiety. However, apart from using anxiety and depression medication in conjunction with therapy, another psychiatric breakthrough in treating these disorders is transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS), a non-invasive medical procedure. TMS therapy for depression and anxiety is a US FDA-Approved procedure, and it uses painless magnetic pulses to stimulate the scalp and activate the brain’s neurotransmitters. The natural functions of the neurotransmitters are activated to improve the symptoms of anxiety and depression by reaching the mood center of the brain.
An electromagnet delivers a magnetic pulse into the nerve cells responsible for controlling mood and depression. It is believed to work by activating the areas in the brain that have decreased their activities due to major depression. The stimulation, in turn, lessens depression symptoms and improves a person’s mood.
Medication In Conjunction With Psychotherapy And TMS
Anxiety and depression are treatable; however, some procedures or medications are ineffective to some individuals. According to John Hopkins Medicine, some people do not benefit from medicines while others cannot tolerate them due to their side effects. However, there have also been results where, if medication is administered in conjunction with TMS; the latter increases the effectivity of the former.
According to a 2013 study, patients who completed TMS for depression and anxiety had 68% in improved symptoms while 45% were in remission. Medication or psychotherapy alone may not be sufficient to address depression effectively. However, when taken alongside TMS, the results are even better since TMS does not interfere with most antidepressants, and it remains a safe option to supplement your antidepressant routine.
Repetitive TMS is not invasive and does not require surgery. It does, however, have side effects such as headaches, tingling, and light-headedness. This may result in lowering the levels of stimulation to reduce the symptoms.
Another study has concluded that there is growing evidence to support the use of TMS in patients suffering from major depression, whether as a singular form of therapy or adjunct with medication. In addition, it has been found safe and effective even in pregnant and elderly. Although the evidence and results are promising, scientists still highly recommend that more research on the long-term effects of TMS is pursued.
Presently, the number of people suffering from depression and anxiety has grown over the years, and there may be different ways to deal with them. Medication, psychotherapy, and even repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation are potential solutions to these disorders. Anxiety and depression are a constant challenge, but they are not without solutions.
Are you experiencing the challenges that hinder you from living life to the fullest? Call us now! Begin to rediscover that missing peace in your life. Let Roots TMS’ team assist you on this journey.