What is the efficacy of rtms for gad and depression. am nervous about it, but seriously considering it now on a/c of help from dr. pappas?

RTMS: The 2 conditions for which rtms has so far been studied and shown efficacy are treatment-resistant depression and auditory-verbal hallucinations in schizophrenia. Effectiveness was better for depression than for schizophrenia. http://tinyurl.com/kd6r8km no published study in gad, but i did see one reference to using it in ptsd. Please discuss all the pros and cons with your own psychiatrist.

Depression: Rtms definitely treats depression. Less is known about gad. Studies look at using it with ptsd and ocd. Often combining tms with some kind of talking therapy. In depression, the response rate is as high as 60% and remission rate as high as 40%. Response means a 50% reduction in depressive symptoms. Remission means the elimination of depressive symptoms.

Target and Protocol: The verdict is still out on rtms for anxiety. To make a definitive determination we need large randomized double blinded controlled studies. At the moment, there is data for using right sided slow conventional rtms (maybe followed by left sided fast), deep rtms with the h1 coil combined with exposure, deep rtms over the anterior cingulate combined with exposure. Make sure your doctor knows this.