Scientists from the UK have developed a head neurostimulator that can help individuals cope with depression in the comfort of their own homes. The study detailing this breakthrough was recently published in the scientific journal Nature Medicine.
The trials were carried out by experts from the Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology, and Neuroscience at the Royal College of London and involved 174 people diagnosed with depression. Participants tested the Flow Neuroscience device, a tool that delivers weak electrical impulses to specific areas of the brain. This method, known as “transcranial direct current stimulation” (TDCS), aims to alleviate symptoms of depression.
After a ten-week trial period, results showed that 57.5% of participants experienced a complete disappearance of symptoms, while 64.2% reported significant improvements in their overall well-being. The study also revealed that the best outcomes were achieved when the neurostimulator was used in conjunction with drug therapy, with a remission rate of 67.1% among those taking antidepressants.
One of the key benefits of this new method is that patients can administer the treatment themselves at home. The neurostimulator targets brain areas that are typically impacted by depression. Prior to the study, all participants were already undergoing treatment with antidepressants at a consistent dosage, despite still experiencing moderate to severe mood disorders.
During the research, no major side effects were reported from the use of the device. Lead researcher Professor Cynthia Fu believes that this innovative approach could serve as a viable option for individuals who do not respond well to conventional treatments.
While the combination of medication and psychotherapy remains the primary treatment for depression and is effective for many patients, the side effects of drugs can sometimes pose challenges in daily life. Professor Young, another researcher involved in the study, emphasized that traditional methods are not always successful and may not be suitable for all individuals. The new neurostimulator provides an additional treatment option for those who do not benefit from standard approaches.