rTMS for obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)
Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is a common, chronic and long-term condition in which a person suffers from recurrent thoughts (obsessions) and/or behaviours (compulsions). The actions affect daily life as they consume a lot of time and energy.
Repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) is an innovative treatment for patients with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). It is a non-invasive therapy that uses magnetic pulses to “calm” the brain areas that cause obsessions and compulsions. Specifically, the stimulation targets the (pre) supplementary motor area (SMA).
rTMS is a safe and effective alternative to traditional treatments. In addition, rTMS has fewer side effects than medication.
Do you have questions about rTMS treatment for obsessive-compulsive symptoms?
Treatment course for obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD)
The advantage of this treatment is that rTMS targets only the brain circuitry involved in your disorder. Because of this specificity, rTMS prevents unnecessary activation of brain regions not involved in OCD.
The complete rTMS treatment for obsessive compulsive disorder (OCS) takes 20-30 sessions, with at least two sessions per week. Thus, the total course lasts 10-15 weeks. During the stimulation, cognitive behavioural therapy will also be implemented. Sessions last 45 minutes each.
When is rTMS not or less suitable for you?
- if you have/if your direct family has epilepsy
- if you have had a brain stroke
- If you are pregnant
- if you have undergone neurosurgery
- If you have metal implants in the head (not in the mouth), which are magnetisable
- If you suffer from severe substance abuse