Alternative Treatment Options for PTSD

Each year, about 13 million people suffer from Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). PTSD shows up after traumatic events like military combat, abuse, or bad accidents. While most people relate PTSD to veterans, it can affect anybody who has gone through something traumatic. Some of the most common signs of PTSD include:

• Intrusive memories or flashbacks of the traumatic event
• Nightmares and/or insomnia 
• Avoiding certain places, people, or situations
• Hypervigilance

If PTSD is left untreated, it can affect someone’s work, relationships, or daily functioning. It’s important to find the right care to be able to start the healing process. For those who have not had success with usual methods, there are newer treatments that bring hope.

Traditional Treatments and Their Limits

The most common treatments for PTSD are trauma-focused therapies like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), and antidepressant medications. Many people find these treatments helpful, but there are still people who have lasting symptoms after months of trying therapy or medication. For some, the side effects associated with medication make it difficult to tolerate, while others experience emotional numbness while on antidepressants.

If your PTSD persists even after trying multiple treatments, you are not alone. Sadly, this does happen, but new methods have shown good results in tackling PTSD.

What Is TMS?

TMS is a noninvasive treatment that uses magnetic pulses to help stimulate parts of the brain that deal with mood. These parts of the brain are often not as active in people with PTSD. TMS was first FDA-cleared for depression, but now it is showing strong potential in helping those with PTSD, as the therapy helps calm the overactive stress response in the brain. A lot of patients reported having fewer flashbacks, less hypervigilance, and increased emotional stability after this treatment.

TMS for PTSD offers:

• A drug-free, non-invasive option
• No anesthesia or recovery time
• Minimal side effects (mild headache, scalp discomfort)
• Quick, outpatient sessions (20-30 minutes, multiple times per week)

What Is Spravato?

Spravato (esketamine) is a fast-acting nasal spray that was made to treat treatment-resistant depression, though it is increasingly prescribed off-label for PTSD when patients are not finding relief with traditional treatments. Spravato works differently in that it targets the brain’s glutamate system, specifically the NMDA receptors. This can help in the reduction of PTSD symptoms such as flashbacks, emotional numbness, dissociation, and suicidal thoughts. Some patients have reported feeling better within hours or days after their first treatment.

Spravato for PTSD Involves:

• Supervised, in-clinic treatment
• Twice weekly to start, then tapering
• Two-hour monitoring after each session
• Possible side effects like dizziness or temporary dissociation

How These Treatments Target the Brain

PTSD isn’t just psychological, it actually alters the brain. Areas like the amygdala, which is responsible for fear, can become overly active, and the prefrontal cortex, the part that helps manage our emotions, may become less active. This creates an imbalance and leads to people feeling trapped in a cycle of fear or emotional numbness.

Treatment with TMS and Spravato directly targets the wiring of the brain. TMS helps to reactivate underperforming areas to return them to action, and Spravato increases neuroplasticity in order for the brain to create healthier pathways. For those feeling stuck, these treatments can help bring back balance to the brain and offer a new path toward recovery.

Choosing What’s Right for You

PTSD can look different for each person, and treatment should be no exception. TMS and Spravato are not typically the first treatment for PTSD, but they can be incredibly useful if traditional treatments haven’t helped. They can be used either alone or in combination with other therapies. An experienced provider will help walk you through your options and form the best treatment plan to start you on your path to better mental health.

Find a Trusted Provider at MDDCare

Not all clinics offer TMS or Spravato, and picking one that knows PTSD well matters. MDDCare.com helps you search by location, diagnosis, and insurance to find a reliable provider confidently.