Depression with Anxious Distress

A Closer Look at Symptoms, Challenges, and How TMS Therapy at Advantage TMS Offers Relief

Depression is already a complex and often debilitating condition, but when anxiety is added to the mix, it becomes even more challenging. Depression with anxious distress is a specific subtype of depression characterized by the presence of both depressive and heightened anxiety symptoms. These overlapping conditions can intensify emotional struggles, making it harder for individuals to find effective relief. However, innovative treatments like Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) are offering new hope.

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Understanding Depression with Anxious Distress

Depression with anxious distress is a term used to describe a specific presentation of Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) that includes significant anxiety symptoms alongside typical depressive ones. These anxiety symptoms can include excessive worry, restlessness, muscle tension, and a general sense of dread. When these symptoms are present alongside depression, they create a cycle that can worsen both conditions, increasing the severity and persistence of emotional and physical symptoms.

Common Symptoms of Depression with Anxious Distress Include:

  • – Persistent feelings of hopelessness and sadness
  • – Excessive worry about day-to-day matters or the future
  • – Restlessness, irritability, and an inability to relax
  • – Physical symptoms like muscle tension, a racing heart, and gastrointestinal issues
  • – Difficulty concentrating, poor sleep quality, and fatigue
  • – Emotional volatility and increased irritability due to combined anxiety and depression

These symptoms can significantly impair daily functioning, making it challenging for individuals to perform at work, engage in social activities, or even complete routine tasks.

Challenges in Treating Depression with Anxious Distress

Traditional treatments for depression include antidepressants and therapy, such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT). While these approaches work well for some, they are often not as effective for people with depression which also includes anxious distress. The addition of anxiety can mean more severe symptoms and a lower response to typical antidepressants.

Furthermore, anti-anxiety medications, such as benzodiazepines, can have unwanted side effects or interact poorly with antidepressants. These complexities make treating this subtype of depression more challenging, requiring a more holistic and innovative treatment approach that addresses both anxiety and depression simultaneously.

How TMS Therapy Provides Relief for Depression with Anxious Distress

Advantage TMS offers Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) therapy as a non-invasive, medication-free alternative for individuals experiencing depression with anxious distress. TMS works by using targeted magnetic pulses to stimulate the prefrontal cortex—an area of the brain associated with mood regulation and anxiety.

Here’s How TMS Therapy Helps:

  • – Targeted Treatment: TMS therapy specifically targets underactive areas of the brain linked to mood disorders, helping to “awaken” and “reset” the neural pathways responsible for mood and anxiety. This targeted approach is crucial for individuals struggling with the dual impact of depression and anxiety.
  • – Simultaneous Relief: TMS is unique in its ability to address both depressive and anxious symptoms at the same time. This makes it an ideal treatment for depression with anxious distress, offering a more comprehensive approach than medication alone.
  • – Non-Invasive and Safe: TMS is a safe and FDA-cleared treatment that involves no surgery, anesthesia, or significant side effects. It’s done in a comfortable setting under the supervision of board-certified psychiatrists and trained professionals.

TMS Therapy Highlights at Advantage TMS

High Success Rate


At Advantage TMS, about 75% of patients experience at least a 50% reduction in their depression symptoms, with many seeing long-term benefits that last months and even years. This is particularly promising for individuals with anxious distress, who often have more severe symptoms and may have struggled to find relief through traditional methods.

Convenient Scheduling for Your Lifestyle


We understand that mental health treatment needs to fit into your life without causing added stress. That’s why our TMS sessions are just 20 minutes long, and you can immediately return to your daily activities afterward—whether it’s driving to work or spending time with your family. Our flexible hours, including 8 am to 8 pm availability and Saturday appointments, make it easy to schedule sessions at your convenience.

Covered by Insurance


The good news is that many insurance plans, including Tricare, Medicare, and major providers like Blue Cross Blue Shield, Florida Blue, United, Aetna, and Cigna, cover TMS therapy if you’ve already tried medications. This helps make TMS an accessible treatment option for those struggling with treatment-resistant depression with anxious distress.

A Safe, Comfortable Environment


TMS therapy is FDA-cleared and has been used successfully worldwide since 2008, with hundreds of thousands of treatments performed safely. At Advantage TMS, treatments take place in a comfortable setting designed to help you feel relaxed and supported.

Scientific Backing for TMS Therapy

Numerous studies highlight the efficacy of TMS therapy for treating depression, even in treatment-resistant cases, and indicate significant relief for anxiety symptoms. Research has shown that TMS can effectively target brain regions involved in both mood and anxiety regulation, making it a dual-action solution. For individuals struggling with depression and anxious distress, this can mean meaningful, lasting relief from the burdens of both conditions.

Why Choose Advantage TMS for Depression with Anxious Distress?

Expert Care from a Dedicated Team

Advantage TMS specializes in TMS therapy, with a focus on treating complex mood and anxiety disorders. Our experienced team is committed to providing personalized, expert-led treatment plans tailored to each patient’s specific needs.

Customized Treatment for Lasting Relief

We recognize that no two individuals experience depression with anxious distress in the same way. Our specialists develop customized treatment protocols to ensure that the targeted brain regions receive appropriate stimulation, leading to the best possible outcomes.

Supportive Care and Flexible Scheduling

From your first consultation to your final treatment session, the Advantage TMS team is here to support you every step of the way. Our flexible scheduling options make it easy for you to receive care without added stress, and our comfortable environment ensures that every visit is as pleasant as possible.

Is TMS Therapy Right for You?

If you are experiencing depression with anxious distress and traditional treatments have not worked for you, TMS therapy could be the solution you’ve been looking for. TMS offers an innovative approach that targets both conditions at once, helping to regulate mood and reduce anxiety symptoms.

Take the Next Step with Advantage TMS

Depression with anxious distress doesn’t have to control your life. Advantage TMS is here to offer hope and relief through advanced, non-invasive TMS therapy. Our specialized approach has helped many individuals find lasting freedom from their symptoms, allowing them to live fuller, more balanced lives.

If you’re ready to explore TMS therapy and see if it’s right for you, contact Advantage TMS today, or schedule a free consultation (virtual or in person) using Calendly. We’re dedicated to helping you find the path to better mental health and providing the compassionate care you need every step of the way.

Our office is closed Wednesday, October 9 and Thursday, October 10, 2024, due to the storm. If you have any questions or urgent requests, please email us at info@advantagementalhealth.com.

Provider Referral for TMS

Please fill out the form if you have a patient interested in learning more about TMS treatment. We appreciate the referral and partnership.

Next Steps:
• Our TMS Coordinator will contact the patient to schedule a complimentary information session.
• If the patient decides to seek TMS treatment with Advantage TMS, we will communicate with you when necessary and the patient will continue to work with you while receiving treatment.

Questions?
• Please don’t hesitate to contact us at 727-600-8093 or info@advantagementalhealth.com

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