Our personalized TMS therapy offers hope for those living with PTSD.
Connectomix - Leading TMS therapy in South Africa
Connectomix is a state-of-the-art TMS clinic group founded in 2019 and based in Johannesburg, Pretoria and Cape Town. It is backed by Netcare, the largest private hospital group in South Africa.
By personalising TMS treatments through sophisticated MRI imaging algorithms, Connectomix has become a hub of excellence for Depression, Anxiety and Neuro-rehabilitation treatments.
Do you battle with PTSD?
If you are seeking effective PTSD treatment, our transformative approach can provide a path towards healing.
Our specialized TMS therapy targets the neural pathways associated with PTSD, facilitating positive changes in brain function and aiding in the reduction of distressing symptoms.
Through personalized care and evidence-based techniques, our experienced team works to address the unique needs of each patient, offering comprehensive support to reduce the impact of PTSD on your life.
Take the courageous step towards recovery and book a consultation today at Connectomix to discover how our personalized TMS therapy can help alleviate PTSD symptoms and lead you towards a brighter future.
What is PTSD?
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a mental health condition that can occur after a traumatic event.
It’s characterized by intrusive thoughts and memories about the traumatic event, as well as negative changes in behavior and mood.
PTSD is diagnosed when symptoms last more than one month after the traumatic event, cause significant distress or impairment in social life or work, or interfere with relationships with others.
There are two types of PTSD: acute and chronic. Acute PTSD develops within two months after the traumatic event; chronic PTSD develops later than two months after the event.
If you think you may have PTSD, it’s important to see a mental health professional for an evaluation.
A therapist can help you determine whether your symptoms indicate PTSD and help you create a treatment plan. Treatment options include therapy and medication.
How is PTSD diagnosed?
A psychological evaluation is often used to diagnose PTSD.
The evaluation may include a medical history and physical examination, as well as blood tests, an electrocardiogram (EKG), and neuroimaging studies such as magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) or computed tomography (CT).
How is PTSD treated?
Yes, there are numerous therapies available for the treatment of post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
1. Brain stimulation
Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) is a non-invasive procedure that uses a magnetic field to stimulate specific areas of the brain. It has been studied as a treatment for a variety of mental health conditions, including post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
TMS targets the prefrontal cortex. This region is involved in decision-making, problem-solving, and other higher cognitive functions. It may be involved in the development of PTSD by helping to regulate the amygdala and other brain structures involved in emotion and memory.
There is evidence that TMS is effective in reducing symptoms of PTSD, particularly in individuals who have not responded to other treatments.
2. Psychotherapy
This therapy helps patients cope with their thought, emotions and behaviors to OCD.
3. Medications
Antidepressants, such as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs), can help reduce symptoms of PTSD, such as depression and anxiety. Other medications, such as beta blockers and prazosin, may also be used to treat specific symptoms of PTSD, such as sleep problems and flashbacks.
4. Supportive therapies
These therapies can help individuals with PTSD learn coping skills and improve their overall quality of life. Examples include group therapy, art therapy, and animal-assisted therapy.
5. Alternative therapies
Alternative therapies: Some people with PTSD find relief from their symptoms through alternative therapies, such as acupuncture, meditation, and yoga.
TMS as a treatment option for PTSD
TMS research indicates that it can be used as a treatment therapy for people experiencing PTSD.
Connectomix has had success in treating patients who experienced PTSD.
TMS Device
A device that contains a magnetic coil is placed against the scalp. This device passes alternating current to specific areas of the brain known to control mood control, stimulating nerve cells, in order to improve the symptoms of PTSD.
Region of the brain targeted for PTSD
Research has indicated that TMS can assist in improving symptoms of PTSD.
Connectomix TMS targets specific areas and networks of the brain that have been found to have increased functional connectivity in PTSD symptoms.
The aim is to alter brain patterns and activities to assist them in returning to normal thought and behavior patterns.
Studies have shown that hi-frequency TMS, applied to the left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC), is effective in PTSD. [i]
What are some of the causes of PTSD?
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a mental health disorder that can develop after a person experiences or witnesses a traumatic event. Traumatic events can be physical, emotional, or psychological in nature, and can include a wide range of experiences, such as:
- Natural disasters, such as earthquakes, hurricanes, and tornadoes
- Accidents, such as car accidents and plane crashes
- Violence, such as physical or sexual assault, domestic violence, and child abuse
- Military combat
- Terrorism
- Sudden, unexpected loss of a loved one
- Serious injury or surgery
- PTSD can also be caused by prolonged exposure to stressful situations, such as living in a war zone or experiencing repeated acts of violence or abuse.
Not everyone who experiences a traumatic event will develop PTSD. Factors that may increase the risk of developing PTSD include having a history of mental health problems, experiencing a particularly severe or prolonged traumatic event, and having a lack of support after the event.
What are some of the characteristics of PTSD?
Symptoms of PTSD can vary from person to person, and may change over time.
Some of the characteristics or symptoms of PTSD may include:
- Re-experiencing the traumatic event: This can involve having intrusive thoughts or memories about the event, or experiencing flashbacks or nightmares.
- Avoidance: This may involve avoiding situations or activities that remind the person of the traumatic event, or feeling detached or numb from others.
- Negative changes in mood and thinking: This can include persistent negative thoughts about oneself or the world, difficulty experiencing positive emotions, and a distorted sense of guilt or blame.
- Changes in physical and emotional reactions: This can include being easily startled or agitated, irritability, nightmares, panic attacks, having difficulty sleeping, and experiencing irritability or outbursts of anger.
- Changes in behavior: This may involve withdrawing from social activities or relationships, engaging in risky or dangerous behaviors, becoming more isolated or isolated and the loss of pleasure or interest in once loved activities
If you are experiencing symptoms of PTSD, it is important to speak with a qualified healthcare provider for an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment.
[i] Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation for Post-traumatic Stress Disorder
Front. Psychiatry, 31 May 2022
Sec. Psychopharmacology
https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyt.2022.701348
Accessed December 2022
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Our strategic partnership with Netcare Group, who operate 53 hospitals and 12 mental health facilities throughout southern Africa, enhances Connectomix service and product offerings by introducing new advanced healthcare related technology throughout South Africa.
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