Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder

TMS for PTSD

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is a mental health condition that can develop in individuals who have been exposed to or witnessed traumatic occurrences. These events might include natural disasters, severe accidents, acts of terrorism, military combat, sexual assault, or other forms of personal violence. PTSD often leads to persistent and troubling thoughts and emotions connected to the traumatic experience, continuing well beyond the time of the event itself. This disorder can manifest in various symptoms and profoundly affect everyday life.


PTSD can manifest in different patterns of symptoms, often categorized as: 

  • Uncomplicated PTSD: Person has symptoms related to a single traumatic event.
  • Complex PTSD: Results from repeated, chronic exposure to traumatic events, often resulting in more severe symptoms.
  • Comorbid PTSD: Occurs alongside other psychiatric disorders such as depression or anxiety.


Common Symptoms 

  • Reliving the traumatic event through flashbacks or nightmares
  • Avoidance of reminders of the trauma
  • Negative changes in thoughts and mood associated with the traumatic event
  • Hyperarousal, including being easily startled or feeling tense


Traditional Treatments for PTSD


  • Psychotherapy: Including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), or group therapy.
  • Medications: Such as antidepressants or anti-anxiety medications to manage symptoms.
  • Self-management strategies: Including stress reduction techniques, regular exercise, and healthy sleep habits.


How Accelerated TMS Targets PTSD:

Accelerated TMS for PTSD involves stimulating the brain areas responsible for mood regulation and memory, particularly the prefrontal cortex and limbic system. The treatment aims to reduce the overactivity associated with the stress response and alter how the brain processes traumatic memories. This might lead to a reduction in the intensity and frequency of PTSD symptoms.


Key Benefits of TMS for PTSD:

  • Non-invasive: Treatments occur in an outpatient clinic; no surgery or sedation is required.
  • Drug-free: Provides an alternative for patients who do not respond to or want to avoid medication.
  • Targeted treatment: Focuses on the brain areas specifically involved in PTSD.
  • Reduction in symptoms: Many patients experience a significant reduction in symptoms, including flashbacks, anxiety, hypervigilance, and sleep disturbances.
  • Improved quality of life: Can lead to improved daily functioning and mood.

What patients are saying

"Desperate and struggling, my therapist recommended TMS. With an open mind and cautious optimism, I tried it. In just five days, my anxiety improved significantly. The clinic staff was fantastic, offering counseling and education on anxiety. The whole experience, including aftercare and follow-up, made a huge difference. I wholeheartedly recommend Accelerated TMS at Kind Health Group. Thank you, Dr. Nanos, and your amazing team"

Contact Us

Yan, T., Xie, Q., Zheng, Z., Zou, K., & Wang, L. (2017). Different frequency repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) for posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD): A systematic review and meta-analysis. Journal of Psychiatric Research, 89, 125-135. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jpsychires.2017.02.021

Abstract Summary:This systematic review and meta-analysis investigated the effectiveness of different frequencies of repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) in treating posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). The study analyzed 18 articles, with 11 suitable for meta-analysis, combining a sample size of 377 participants (217 in active rTMS groups, 160 in sham-controlled groups). The findings indicated that low-frequency (LF) rTMS significantly reduced PTSD total scores and depression scores. High-frequency (HF) rTMS showed significant improvements in PTSD total score, re-experiencing, avoidance, hyperarousal, depression, and anxiety symptoms. The results suggest that both HF and LF rTMS can alleviate PTSD symptoms, with LF rTMS reducing overall PTSD and depression symptoms, and HF rTMS improving main and related symptoms of PTSD.



Namgung, E., Kim, M., & Yoon, S. (2019). Repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation in trauma-related conditions. Neuropsychiatric Disease and Treatment, 15, 701–712. https://doi.org/10.2147/NDT.S189498

Abstract Summary: This article reviews the use of repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) as a therapeutic intervention for posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and traumatic brain injury (TBI). It discusses the potential of rTMS in managing symptoms and improving outcomes in individuals with PTSD, with or without comorbid TBI. Despite some inconsistencies in outcomes and parameters, the article suggests rTMS as a promising approach for these trauma-related conditions.

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