HOPE-TMS® for PTSD
Our personalized, Accelerated TMS therapy with genuine neuro-navigation, tailored to treat PTSD symptoms at the source.
NEW RESEARCH
Our co-founder, David Carreon, M.D., was recently a co-author on a preprint article, A potential neuromodulation target for PTSD in Veterans derived from focal brain lesions.
The research with Dr. Shan Siddiqi at Harvard Medical School reveals how specific brain circuits linked to PTSD in Veterans can be targeted using innovative treatments like Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS). By focusing on circuits that connect the medial prefrontal cortex, amygdala, and temporal lobe, we can tailor our treatments to help reduce PTSD symptoms and improve mental health outcomes.
5 Days
Achieve rapid relief for depression, anxiety and other personalized targets with accelerated TMS
77%
Response Rate
Personalized
Your specific brain is used to calculate and choose targets; it’s not done by generic modeling or computers. The smartest doctors are on your care.
PTSD
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a psychiatric condition triggered by trauma and characterized by symptoms such as intrusive thoughts, avoidance behaviors, negative changes in mood and cognition, and heightened arousal following a traumatic event. Traumatic events are those that are terrifying, shocking, or extremely stressful to an individual.
Recent research found specific brain circuits linked to PTSD in Veterans can be targeted using innovative treatments like Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS).
Strategic & Personalized Care
Acacia administers TMS therapy differently. With HOPE -TMS℠, we look at a patient’s advanced brain image (a functional MRI) to identify target areas for the best results — even remission.
Other TMS clinics may claim to use “neuronavigation,” but often clinicians rely on generalized brain models. Our process requires an additional scan that may uncover other underactive areas of the brain vital to the treatment’s success.
TREATED CONDITIONS
-
Major depression is associated with altered brain activity in the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex among other deeper brain structures. The left DLPFC region is often used as a target for TMS treatment. Using specialized brain scans called functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI), left DLPFC treatment targets can be personalized to an individual’s specific brain activity and connectivity.
-
Anxiety has been shown to be associated with altered brain activity in a distinct brain circuit from depression based on data-driven approaches for identifying symptom specific targets.
-
OCD (Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder) symptoms have been linked to altered brain activity in several brain regions. This includes increased brain activity in cortico-striatal brain regions and the orbitofrontal cortex. Research has also shown that connections between the OFC and other brain regions are altered in individuals with OCD making it one brain target of interest.
-
PTSD (Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder) symptoms may be treated with stimulation targeting the DLPFC. Several RCT’s have shown a benefit of right DLPFC of stimulation with strong effects. Other studies have also shown a benefit of left DLPFC stimulation for individuals with PTSD. Relevant systematic review and meta-analysis:
-
Bipolar depression symptoms may be treated with stimulation targeting the left DLPFC, similar to major depression. It may involve stimulation to the right DLPFC in addition to or instead of left DLPFC stimulation.
Brain Targeting Specialist
Dr. Shan Siddiqi
Depression brain targets are calculated by Dr. Shan Siddiqi, a leading neuroscientist and Harvard faculty member. Dr. Shan Siddiqi looks at a patient's advanced brain image (functional MRI) and finds the place most likely to make a difference. Acacia’s research has shown the target areas can be quite different than the areas typically treated when using generalized brain models as a guide.
VETERANS
Many veterans have encountered experiences that can lead to the development of PTSD. The prevalence of PTSD among returning service members varies widely across different wars and eras. A 2013 study found 13.5% of 60,000 Iraq and Afghanistan veterans, both deployed and non-deployed, screened positive for PTSD. Although the rates differ for each conflict, PTSD remains one of the most common disorders among veterans.
Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) is an FDA-approved, non-invasive, and effective procedure that uses uses magnetic fields to stimulate brain nerve cells, improving depression symptoms.
Recent studies highlight the effectiveness of TMS for veterans, particularly in treating depression, PTSD, and tinnitus, conditions prevalent among veterans due to the traumatic experiences faced during active duty.
TMS has been shown to significantly alleviate the symptoms of these disorders, helping veterans achieve a better quality of life.
In-Network with TRICARE Insurance
New Patient Consultation
Main Office
Research
TMS Coordinator
Fax
(650) 993-9996
(650) 993-9397
(650) 521-5211
(650) 999-0939
For inquiring new patients or scheduling a consultation, please fill out our new patient form.
Locations
Sunnyvale Office (HQ)
877 W. Fremont Ave, Suite N-3
Sunnyvale, CA 94087
Monterey Office
40 Dormody Ct, Suite B
Monterey, CA 93940
FAQ
-
TMS Therapy is FDA approved for the treatment of depression. It is well tolerated and has been proven to be safe in clinical trials. TMS is a non-invasive procedure that involves the use of magnetic fields to stimulate specific areas of the brain.
Side effects of TMS are usually mild and temporary. They may include scalp discomfort at the site of stimulation, lightheadedness, or headaches. These side effects typically resolve shortly after the TMS session.
-
After over two decades of extensive research and clinical trials, TMS Therapy was cleared by the FDA in 2008. TMS is approved in multiple countries, including Canada, the USA, Europe, Israel, and Australia.
-
You may feel a tapping sensation on your scalp, which is produced by the magnetic pulses being delivered to your brain. Some individuals describe it as a gentle knocking or fluttering feeling. The intensity of these sensations can vary from person to person, but they are generally mild and do not cause significant discomfort. Most people are able to adjust to the sensations after a few sessions.
-
Most people are suitable for TMS. There are very few people the treatment isn’t suitable for. Before starting treatment with Acacia Mental Health, our advisors and clinicians will confirm your eligibility
-
Yes, TMS Therapy is covered by TRICARE Insurance on an outpatient basis. TRICARE Insurance covers TMS Therapy for Major Depressive Disorder and similar conditions. To learn more about the mental health disorders treated with TMS Therapy and covered by TRICARE Insurance, please contact us.
TMS Treatments
Acacia Team