New hopes for patients resistant to traditional treatments
A new approach using accelerated transcranial magnetic stimulation (aTMS) targets two areas of the brain and promises significant improvements in less than a week.
Depression, affecting many adults around the world, is often characterized by imbalances in brain activity. aTMS appears to offer a solution that is quicker and just as safe as conventional methods, by simultaneously targeting two critical regions of the brain.
A dual approach for increased efficiency
The new study, led by researchers at the University of Cambridge and Fudan University, uses a combination of stimulations to inhibit and excite specific areas of the brain. This method showed promising results, with a significant reduction in symptoms in almost half of the participants after just five days of treatment.
To read
Beware of this recent scam with a fake paper in your mailbox
This technique, which increases the number of daily sessions but reduces the overall duration of treatment to one week, could particularly benefit patients with severe symptoms or at risk of suicide, who cannot afford long periods of treatment.
Post-treatment reactions and results
The results of this research were particularly positive for patients in the group who received dual stimulation. Not only did they experience rapid improvement, but these effects were maintained for several weeks after treatment ended. MRI images confirmed changes in brain activity consistent with improvement in depressive symptoms.
This pre-winter action on your radiators can significantly reduce your energy bill
However, it is important to note that some patients reported pain in the stimulated areas, although these side effects did not lead to treatment discontinuation.
Future implications and potential improvements
Researchers are already planning to explore other applications and refinements of accelerated TMS, including identifying the most effective part of the orbitofrontal cortex to target. They also suggest that treatment could be combined with psychotherapy to strengthen results and prevent relapse.
To read
Bardella: “he is 14 and a half years old and he is writing his memoirs”, Copé tackles his book
The next step will include larger trials to confirm these findings and potentially revolutionize the treatment of depression, particularly for those who have not found relief with current options.
- Accelerated Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (aTMS)
- Targeting the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex and orbitofrontal cortex
- Rapid improvement in depression symptoms
- Potential for shorter, more intensive treatments
- Combine aTMS with psychotherapy for prolonged effects
“This new approach offers a glimmer of hope for those who find themselves in a prolonged state of severe distress without finding relief with standard treatments. » – Hailun Cui, lead author of the study.
As research continues, this approach may well mark a turning point in the way treatment-resistant depression is managed, offering hope and relief to those who need it most.
