DEEP BRAIN STIMULATION FOR DEPRESSION
Depression is a major mental health problem of today’s era. Depression, so far considered a problem of urban lifestyle, is now spreading globally. Scientists and psychologists from all over the world are trying to find an effective treatment for depression. It can be said that depression is no longer a problem of any country but of the whole world.
Psychologists use traditional counseling, including yoga and meditation, to treat depression. Yoga and meditation take a long time in the treatment of the patient. Apart from this, counseling is also affected by the environment and background of the patient.
RESEARCH FOR DEPRESSION
With the passage of time, the effect of traditional treatments of depression on patients is decreasing. To treat severe cases of depression, doctors and scientists are working out thorough research to find an effective treatment for depression.
On 4 October 2019, a study was published in The American Journal of Psychiatry, USA. According to this study report, the symptoms of depression in people can be improved through deep brain stimulation technology. These improvements have been seen in patients who were not getting relief from other treatments.
So let’s discuss ways to get relief from depression through Deep Brain Stimulation Technique. With the help of deep brain stimulation technology, such patients have also been seen to get relief from depression who was suffering from depression for years.
Depression has increased the incidence of suicide
At the same time, the report of the World Health Organization states that in 2016, there were 7,93,000 suicide deaths worldwide.
1 in 5 people in the world has a history of depression. At the same time, suicide is considered to be the biggest cause of death in youth in the age group of 18-29 years. Apart from this, about 38 percent of the people working globally are also victims of depression.
In such a situation, in a country, if depression is treated in people through deep brain stimulation therapy, then it will prevent the suicide of a large number of youth. Rather, it will also help in giving positive direction to the younger generation.
REASONS FOR USE OF DEEP BRAIN STIMULATION
Deep brain stimulation technology is being used in the treatment of many problems other than depression-like-
- Dystonia
- Epilepsy
- Essential Tremor
- Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder
- Parkinson’s Disease
- Addiction
- Chronic Pain
- Cluster Headache
- Dementia
- Depression
- Huntington’s Disease
- Multiple Sclerosis
- Stroke Recovery
- Tourette Syndrome
- Traumatic Brain Injury
THE PROCEDURE OF DEEP BRAIN STIMULATION
In Deep Brain Stimulation, electrodes are implanted in certain parts of the brain. These electrodes emit electrical impulses that regulate abnormal impulses in the brain. Apart from this, electrical impulses also affect certain cells and chemicals in the brain.
In deep brain stimulation therapy, the amount of stimulation to the brain is controlled with a device such as a pacemaker. This device is placed under the skin in the upper part of the chest. The wire coming out of this device passes under the skin and connects the electrodes in the brain.
In the end, it can be said that if you get better, you stay better. The effect of this therapy does not end even after a long time. If you have severe depression, you can wear this device like a pacemaker, and you stay healthy.
WHY IS DEEP BRAIN STIMULATION DONE?
Deep brain stimulation is an established treatment for patients with depression and mood-related disorders. The US Department of Food and Drug Safety has allowed its use on patients suffering from epilepsy. This therapy is used on all those patients whose depression is not getting better with medicines.
Findings Of The Study
The US Food and Drug Department was trying for the last two decades, that is, for nearly 20 years, to find an effective treatment for the problem of depression. But the use of techniques such as deep brain stimulation to treat depression has been controversial.
But in the latest study, the mental health of people with implants for 8 years has been tested. The study found that most patients admitted to feeling better and positive after therapy.
HOW DOES DEEP BRAIN STIMULATION THERAPY WORK?
The extension is attached to the neuro-stimulator, a small sealed device similar to the one used in cardiac pacemakers. It is applied to the skin near the collarbone of the body. It consists of a small battery that is programmed by a computer chip that helps stop its symptoms with the help of electrical waves. Although the stimulator lasts for 3 to 5 years it also depends to a large extent on the needs of the patient. The technique to change this is quite simple.
Before performing this surgery, MRI or CT scan is done to find out in which part of the brain these waves are being generated. After the DBS system is implanted, electrical waves from the neuro-stimulator are transmitted through extension cords and lead to the brain. These waves stimulate the part of the brain that is responsible for convulsions or epileptic seizures.
The surgeon starts the neurostimulator, controls and monitors the waves. Apart from this, the patient is given a magnet or a programmer so that he can control the pulse rate himself in consultation with the doctor.
Despite new techniques of treatment of depression, there are no surgeries performed for treatment of depression. Whereas the number of patients undergoing surgery is very high. It is very important to bring awareness among the people to meet this shortfall. It is important to make them aware of safe and effective medical techniques such as deep brain stimulation (DBS therapy) for depression.
EFFICACY OF DEEP BRAIN STIMULATION
One-third of the people who were involved in the study admitted to getting complete relief from depression. While more than half of the people admitted to a reduction in the symptoms of depression. The team of doctors did not find any negative effect on the patients from the device in the examination of the patients. Apart from this, the dangers (infection, etc.) in implanting the device are also the same as in any simple surgery.
It is also clear from the results obtained from the study that this surgery is completely safe and permanent. However, this therapy is currently available only in select hospitals worldwide. But with the passage of time, when this technology will improve further, then it will be used in hospitals all over the world for the treatment of depression and mental diseases.
People who are going through a severe depression. For them, deep brain stimulation technology is like a new ray of hope. When this technology is further improved in the coming few years, then it can be used on patients all over the world.
A NEW WAY OF HOPE FOR PATIENTS SUFFERING FROM DEPRESSION
A depressed patient goes into the mode of “shut down” in which all the systems of the body shut. This creates a negative impact on the brain and affects the daily lifestyle. It is important to recharge your system with energy which can stimulate the overall well-being of a depressed individual.
With the emergence and activation of the Deep Brain Stimulator, we can provide a new hope to live and help conquer depression. So get started with this mode of treatment which can help combat depression and provide a healthy mind and brain for a healthy body.
If you are severely depressed, you should consult your psychologist for deep brain stimulation surgery treatment. Call (469) 545-9983 to book an appointment with our specialists.