Emerging Evidence for TMS in Pediatric Psychiatry
At Philadelphia Integrative Psychiatry, we are excited to introduce Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) as a new option for treating a wide range of mental health issues, including depression, anxiety, OCD, PTSD, addiction, ADHD, and others. For our adult patients dealing with ongoing depression, this cutting-edge treatment is now available and covered by insurance, providing a significant non-pharmacological alternative for many. The research continues to evolve:, TMS has demonstrated significant potential in treating pediatric psychiatric conditions, ranging from depression to autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and more. This blog explores the insights from the 2022 study titled "Use of Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation in Child Psychiatry," highlighting the transformative possibilities of TMS in the lives of young individuals.
Depression and Anxiety Disorders
The article underscores the efficacy of TMS in treating adolescent depression, with studies revealing variable outcomes. High-frequency TMS, in particular, has been associated with increased cortical excitability, potentially alleviating depressive symptoms. Despite the need for larger, sham-controlled trials to conclusively establish efficacy, the safety profile and tolerability of TMS in adolescents have been favorable, marking it as a promising adjunct or alternative to traditional pharmacological treatments.
Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)
TMS research in ASD suggests that it can modulate neural plasticity, potentially addressing core symptoms of the disorder. Studies have reported improvements in repetitive and restricted behavior patterns, irritability, and some aspects of social awareness and hyperactivity. These findings highlight the potential of TMS to complement existing therapeutic strategies for ASD, offering new avenues for intervention.
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)
In the realm of ADHD, TMS has shown potential in improving hyperactivity symptoms, though research is still in its nascent stages. An open trial involving younger children demonstrated statistically significant improvements in behavior, such as reduced inattentiveness and hyperactivity/impulsivity. This points to the safety and potential efficacy of TMS in pediatric ADHD, warranting further investigation.
Tourette Syndrome and Tics
For Tourette Syndrome (TS) and tics, TMS has been found to significantly ameliorate symptoms and comorbid obsessive-compulsive behaviors. The application of TMS at the bilateral supplementary motor area (SMA) was noted to be particularly effective. This suggests that TMS could be a valuable tool in managing TS, especially in younger patients who may respond more favorably to treatment.
Schizophrenia
Although research on TMS for pediatric schizophrenia is primarily based on case reports, findings suggest potential benefits in reducing auditory hallucinations and other psychotic symptoms. This opens up possibilities for using TMS as part of a comprehensive treatment plan for young individuals with schizophrenia, especially those with treatment-resistant forms of the disorder.
Getting in Touch with Dr. Danish and his Team
At Philadelphia Integrative Psychiatry, we are excited to offer TMS as part of our repertoire of treatment options. We continue to stay abreast of the latest research related to TMS to ensure we provide the highest quality care in a safe manner. Our holistic and integrative approach ensures that we consider all aspects of our patients' well-being in developing personalized treatment plans. If you or a loved one are seeking support for psychiatric conditions, please text or call 610-999-6414 to learn how we can help.
For More Information on TMS
The following blogs by Dr. Danish focus on TMS for a variety of conditions and patient populations:
Discover just how powerful TMS is for depression.
Learn whether patients preparing for TMS should stay on their antidepressants that are not doing enough.
Explore the potential of TMS for patients with seizure disorders.
Find out about accelerated TMS treatment for severe depression that can be completed in under 5 days!
Read about how TMS can lead to neuronal growth and plasticity.
Understand the safety of TMS for depression during pregnancy.
Citations: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35958966/
