rTMS Therapy for Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD)

Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) is characterized by excessive anxiety and worry over a series of events or activities, for at least 6 months. In GAD, anxiety and worry are associated with symptoms such as nervousness, feeling anxious, hypertension, excessive distress, difficulty concentrating, irritability, muscle tension and sleep disturbance. In addition, anxiety, worry or physical symptoms cause significant discomfort and impair day-to-day functioning.

Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation has shown satisfactory effects in the treatment of GAD. Recent studies report potentially mid-term benefits of applying a low-frequency brain stimulation to the right frontal cortex, which helps reduce stress. In addition, research is constantly growing and focusing on additional parts of the brain, such as the parietal lobe; a low-frequency stimulation was found to be effective in reducing anxiety and co-existing insomnia. rTMS is an ideal therapeutic option for patients who are resistant to pharmacotherapy, but also for those who experience adverse side effects or have been subscribed anxiolytics (benzodiazepines) for too long, having developed addiction and/or tolerance.

rTMS therapy can be applied exclusively or in combination with medication or psychotherapy, in order to optimize the outcome.