2023-11-01 07:30:00
Title: Electrical Brain Stimulation Shows Promise as Alternative Treatment for Depression and Epilepsy
Introduction:
The use of antidepressants has surged in Europe over the past two decades, with a significant increase in prescriptions between 2000 and 2020. The COVID-19 pandemic has further amplified the need for effective treatments for depression, leading to a rise in medication usage. However, new research is uncovering the potential of non-invasive electrical stimulation of the brain as an alternative treatment option. Techniques such as transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) and transcranial alternating current stimulation (tACS) have shown promising results in reducing symptoms and may provide a drug-free option for individuals with depression or epilepsy.
Increasing Use of Antidepressants in Europe:
According to figures from the OECD, the use of antidepressant medications in eighteen European countries nearly doubled between 2000 and 2020. In 2019, just over seven percent of EU citizens reported having chronic depression. The COVID-19 pandemic has further exacerbated the need for such medications, leading to a five percent increase in the number of adults receiving antidepressants in the UK between 2021-2022 compared to the previous period.
Limitations of Medications:
While medications have been the go-to treatment for depression and epilepsy, they may not work for everyone and often come with side effects. Weakness, nausea, and sexual dysfunction are some of the common side effects associated with these medications. As a result, scientific research has been focusing on alternative methods that target electrical activity in the brain instead of relying solely on chemical interventions.
Harnessing Electrical Stimulation:
Electrical stimulation techniques such as tDCS and tACS have shown promise in modulating brain activity and reducing symptoms associated with mental disorders. tDCS involves applying a weak electrical current to the scalp, passing into the skull, and ultimately reaching the brain. The stimulation creates an electric field that polarizes the potential of neurons in the target area, potentially improving communication among neurons.
Flow: Using tDCS for Depression Treatment:
Flow, a startup founded by Daniel Mansson and Erik Rehn, utilizes tDCS to treat depression. The company has developed a headset that individuals diagnosed with depression can use at home. The therapy involves using the headset for five sessions per week, followed by a maintenance phase. Additionally, Flow’s therapy incorporates a mobile app for behavioral therapy, allowing doctors to monitor patient activity and progress.
Neuroelectrics: Advancing Electrical Brain Stimulation:
Another company, Neuroelectrics, has developed a helmet-shaped device capable of both neuromodulation and brain activity recording. By creating a digital twin of the patient’s brain using brain scans, Neuroelectrics can identify areas for current application and plan therapy accordingly. The company is currently using tES to treat epilepsy and depression and researching its application for Alzheimer’s disease.
Positive Results:
Flow recently conducted a ten-week study that demonstrated a high response rate to tDCS treatment for depression. Over 60% of patients in the active treatment group responded positively, with more than half experiencing complete remission. Neuroelectrics has also seen promising results in reducing epileptic crises among patients receiving electrical brain stimulation therapy. The company is now conducting larger studies and initiating a hospital-based study to further evaluate the treatment’s efficacy.
Conclusion:
As the use of antidepressants continues to rise, researchers are exploring alternative treatments that target electrical activity in the brain. Electrical brain stimulation techniques like tDCS and tACS show promise in reducing symptoms associated with mental disorders such as depression and epilepsy. While more research is needed, advancements in non-invasive electrical stimulation offer potential drug-free options for individuals seeking relief from these conditions.]
#Brain #therapy #electric