Eating Disorders

TMS for Eating Disorders

Eating disorders are not just about food; they are complex conditions that reflect deep emotional struggles and a yearning for control and self-worth. These disorders, including anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, and binge-eating disorder, are expressions of inner turmoil and distress, often hidden behind a facade of normalcy. Anorexia nervosa is marked by an intense fear of weight gain and a distorted body image, leading to severe food restriction. Bulimia nervosa combines episodes of binge eating with subsequent purging, while binge-eating disorder involves consuming large amounts of food with feelings of loss of control.


Behind these behaviors lies a profound struggle with self-esteem, anxiety, and often a sense of helplessness. Eating disorders can coexist with other mental health challenges, such as depression and anxiety, making them particularly complex to navigate. The roots of these disorders are deeply intertwined with personal experiences, genetic factors, and societal pressures, creating a unique tapestry of challenges for each individual.


Recovery from an eating disorder is a journey of rediscovery and healing, one that involves nurturing both the body and the mind. It's a path that requires compassion, understanding, and a personalized approach to care. This journey is not just about restoring physical health but also about finding balance, reclaiming control over one’s life, and learning to embrace oneself with kindness and acceptance. With the right support and treatment, individuals can rebuild their relationship with food and themselves, stepping into a life of greater health and fulfillment.


Traditional Treatments for Eating Disorders

Typical Treatments

  • Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): CBT is often used to treat eating disorders by addressing distorted eating patterns and body image issues. It involves identifying negative thought patterns and developing strategies to cope with them.
  • Nutritional Counseling: Dietitians or nutritionists work with patients to establish healthy eating habits and to normalize eating patterns.
  • Medication: Antidepressants, antipsychotics, or mood stabilizers may be prescribed to treat underlying or associated mood disorders or to reduce binge-eating behaviors.
  • Inpatient or Outpatient Treatment Programs: These programs offer a structured treatment environment, providing medical monitoring, therapy, and support.


How TMS Helps in Treating Eating Disorders

TMS offers a novel approach to treating eating disorders by targeting the neural circuits involved in the regulation of mood, impulse control, and appetite. Here's how TMS can help:

  • Neural Modulation: TMS non-invasively stimulates the brain areas implicated in eating disorders
  • Reduction in Symptoms: Studies have shown that TMS can lead to a reduction in symptoms of eating disorders, including decreased frequency of binging or purging behaviors and improved mood.
  • Complement to Traditional Therapies: TMS can be used alongside traditional therapies like CBT and nutritional counseling, potentially enhancing their effectiveness.


Benefits of TMS for Eating Disorders

  • Non-invasive and Safe: TMS is a non-invasive procedure that doesn't require anesthesia or sedation, and it has a favorable safety profile.
  • Minimal Side Effects: Unlike some medications, TMS typically has few side effects, with the most common being mild headache or scalp discomfort during treatment.
  • Targeted Treatment: TMS can target specific areas of the brain associated with the pathology of eating disorders, potentially leading to more effective treatment outcomes.
  • Improvement in Comorbid Conditions: TMS can also improve comorbid psychiatric conditions such as depression or anxiety, which are often present in individuals with eating disorders.
  • Potential for Lasting Effects: Some patients experience long-term improvement in their symptoms following a course of TMS treatment.


What patients are saying

"Desperate and struggling, my therapist recommended TMS. With an open mind and cautious optimism, I tried it. In just five days, my anxiety improved significantly. The clinic staff was fantastic, offering counseling and education on anxiety. The whole experience, including aftercare and follow-up, made a huge difference. I wholeheartedly recommend Accelerated TMS at Kind Health Group. Thank you, Dr. Nanos, and your amazing team"

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Cavicchioli, M., Sarzetto, A., Erzegovesi, S., & Ogliari, A. (2022). Is Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (RTMS) a Promising Therapeutic Intervention for Eating Disorders and Obesity? Clinical Considerations Based on a Meta-Analytic Review. Clinical neuropsychiatry, 19(5), 314–327. https://doi.org/10.36131/cnfioritieditore20220507

Summary: This meta-analysis of 15 independent studies examines the clinical effects of rTMS on individuals with eating disorders (EDs). It concludes that rTMS shows moderate therapeutic effects on the affective functioning of individuals with EDs and should be considered a promising intervention for the treatment of obesity.


Maranhão, M., Estella, N. M., Cury, M. E. G., Amigo, V. L., Picasso, C. M., Berberian, A., Campbell, I., Schmidt, U., & Claudino, A. (2015). The effects of repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation in obese females with binge eating disorder: A protocol for a double-blinded, randomized, sham-controlled trial. BMC Psychiatry, 15, 210. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12888-015-0569-8

Abstract: This study protocol outlines a trial to assess the effects of rTMS on obese females with binge eating disorder. The trial aims to randomly allocate 60 eligible participants to receive either rTMS or a sham intervention. The primary outcome is the number of binge eating episodes, assessed during treatment sessions and at an 8-week follow-up. The hypothesis is that rTMS will reduce binge-eating episodes compared to the sham group, with effects maintained at follow-up.

Abstract: This case report discusses the use of accelerated intermittent Theta Burst Stimulation (iTBS) in two women with Bipolar Disorder Type II (BD-II) and comorbid Binge Eating Disorder (BED). The study involved a 3-week accelerated iTBS treatment to the left dorsolateral pre-frontal cortex. While depressive symptoms only slightly improved, binge episodes remitted completely, with BED symptomatology remission lasting up to 12 weeks follow-up. This is the first study regarding iTBS use in BED comorbid with BD-II, suggesting the need for further research to assess the efficacy of this technique in BED treatment.


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