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rTMS FOR CHILDHOOD DISORDERS
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rTMS FOR CHILDHOOD DISORDERS
All over the world, there are millions of children go undiagnosed with the mental health conditions they are born with or which they have acquired over time such as ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder), ASD (Autism Spectrum Disorder), and PTSD (Post-traumatic stress disorder), etc. Even if, they get diagnosed, the issue comes up with treatment and rehabilitation. In our society, there is not much awareness about children’s mental health disorders, they usually go unnoticed, or sometimes parents ignore it considering that it is just his/her nature, habit, or personality trait. As a result, there is not much awareness and there are not many rehabilitation centers in Karachi, where a child can learn and get desired therapies altogether.
Firstly, it is important to spread awareness about children’s mental health conditions. Secondly, they need to be addressed and treated. In our society, such programs need to be introduced that would educate people about the cause. People need to realize this world is advancing, technology is advancing, and there is almost a cure for everything, then why not mental health conditions? To get treated, our community needs to embrace and talk about their mental health problems, they should look for all the available options and solutions near them. It is evident via statistics that a lot of people have no idea about children’s mental health disorders, let alone about the advancing technologies of the world that are making our lives better and easier. It is very rare in our society that people seek counseling or psychotherapy if they face issues, most parents are not literate enough to address their child’s challenges. Once people start recognizing that they need professional help, the next step is to explore their options. One of the most suitable option is to start with psychotherapy also known as ‘talk therapy’, and then proceed towards more advanced options such as; neuromodulation technique “rTMS” (Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation).
What is child psychotherapy?
It is a treatment that follows an effective method to help cope with mental health difficulties, including the child’s behavior, communication, and emotional complexities. Depending on the age of the child, the therapeutic relationship is built by talking or playing. The therapy aims to make the child understand themselves better, to bring out their capabilities, and make their relationships and behavior better with time, to learn, grow and prosper.
What is rTMS?
It is a neuromodulation technique, in which magnetic pulses are transmitted into the skull and they stimulate or inhibit the neurons in the brain tissue. It is a non-invasive procedure that is FDA and CE approved and it has no downtime. It has no side effects and it is generally an outpatient procedure. The treatment time is very short, around 20-35 minutes and the patient feels no pain or discomfort. Evidence-based practice suggests, it is one of the most effective treatment for children’s mental health conditions such as; Autism and ADHD etc.
Which children require rTMS?
rTMS is a treatment of choice for a lot of mental health conditions, such as; ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder), ASD (Autism Spectrum Disorder), ODD (Oppositional Defiant Disorder), TS (Tourette syndrome), DD (Developmental delay), ID (Intellectual Disorder), PTSD (Post-traumatic stress disorder), and abuse etc.
What is the procedure of rTMS treatment for children with Autism and ADHD?
During the rTMS procedure, a comfortable position is attained by the patient on a recliner chair and a coil along with cushioned helmet is placed over the patient’s head. When, the treatment starts, the coil starts sending magnetic pulses as per the protocol designed according to the mental health condition and it activates or inhibits the neuronal activity in the brain structures. The person feels a mild tapping sensation with no pain or discomfort during the procedure.
Where are rTMS services for children available in Karachi?
In Pakistan, there are very few clinics that accommodate these children and give them treatment and personalized education according to their capacities. Most prevalent disorders are Autism and ADHD, these children usually are not necessarily compromised on an intellectual level but rather on a behavioral level, moreover, most autistic children have higher IQs and are more capable than an ordinary person, but our society doesn’t realize their capabilities and they are not treated well. The aim is to spread awareness and polish every child’s skill and bring out the best of them despite their mental or physical issues. More and more awareness campaigns need to be carried out and there is an important need to educate the people around.
Transformational Wellness Clinic is one of the most prestigious organization that works for the benefit of society. They have recently introduced TILC PROGRAM ‘Transformation Integrated Learning Centre’ – For children with physical or mental disabilities. It is a specialized program that works as an integrated approach to teach and identify students’ strength and areas for growth in social, emotional, physical, and intellectual areas. It is a learning program, designed according to the child’s ability to enhance education and activities of daily living, personal and social skills to make the child capable and independent. It is very hard to find everything under one roof. TWC provides education along with suitable treatment. A team of psychiatrists, neurologists, clinical psychologists, hypnotherapists, ABA therapists, and physiotherapists personally evaluate your child and design the best treatment and study program for your child according to his/her potential. TILC program aims to inspire people for better living.
To sum up, it is a strong message for society to make themselves aware of the challenges their children go through. It is important to educate yourself not only about the mental health problems but also about the suitable treatment options we have around. It is important to take help where needed, in order to make our lives easier. Educate yourself and your surroundings, mental health is not a taboo but a stigma. It needs to be addressed, evaluated, and treated.
