A man suffering from severe depression experienced happiness for the first time in 30 years. This became possible with a special brain pacemaker that activates various parts of his brain. Damien Fair from the University of Minnesota mentioned that he felt happiness after a long time.
The 44-year-old man, named Tom, had been battling depression since the age of 13. Despite more than 20 treatment methods, there was no lasting relief. However, this new technology marks a revolutionary step in treating depression, surpassing the limits of traditional methods.
Treatment Challenges: Battling Conventional Methods
Depression is a common mental health issue affecting millions worldwide. In most cases, relief is found using antidepressant medication or therapy, but many experience 'Treatment Resistant Depression'.
Source: aajtak
Meaning no improvement even after trying two types of antidepressants. In such scenarios, Electroconvulsive Therapy (ECT) is used, applying mild electric shocks to the brain. Yet, ECT often doesn’t work.
According to Damien Fair, targeting the same part of the brain for every individual is the challenge. Each brain differs, hence targeting incorrect areas fails to provide relief. Tom tried over 20 treatments, including medications, therapy, and ECT, but nothing worked, leading to suicidal thoughts.
Innovative Technology: Personalized Brain Pacemaker
Researchers at the University of Minnesota developed a personalized device for Tom, functioning like a cardiac pacemaker. Published in the journal Nature Medicine, the study involves experts including Ziad Nahas and Damien Fair.
Source: aajtak
How It Works?
Brain Mapping:
Researchers conducted a 40-minute MRI mapping of Tom’s brain. It revealed the boundaries of four depression-related brain networks (Default Mode, Salience, Action-Mode, and Frontoparietal). Tom’s Salience Network, processing external stimuli, was four times larger than usual, which could be causing his symptoms.
Electrode Implantation:
In a surgical operation, two small holes were created in the skull to insert four cluster electrodes placed on the boundaries of these networks. Three days later, mild currents were sent via external wires. Each network yielded different effects when stimulated...
On stimulating the Default Mode Network (linked with thoughts and anxiety), Tom shed tears of joy.
The Salience and Action-Mode Networks brought a sense of calm.
The Frontoparietal Network enhanced concentration.
Improving Seen Benefits
Based on Tom's responses, electrodes were connected to two small batteries under the collarbone. This brain pacemaker stimulates different networks every five minutes for one minute.
Seven weeks post-surgery, Tom's suicidal thoughts ceased. Nine months later, according to the Hamilton Depression Rating Scale, he was on the verge of complete recovery. The improvement lasted over two years, albeit with a slight depression recurrence post-COVID-19.
Source: aajtak
Results and Benefits
Tom mentioned it was like a wall coming down. He was finally able to live all emotions. Ziad Nahas stated that Tom could now enjoy life, going on road trips with family. Psychiatric treatments are rare, but it’s becoming easier. This method is superior to previous treatments, with fewer computational resources required and less hospital time.
Future Possibilities and Challenges
Researchers have transplanted the device in a second person, planning for a third. Double-blind clinical trials will begin in two years, but large-scale testing is necessary. Mario Zuluena from King's College London expressed the importance of randomized controlled trials to ensure safety and efficacy.
Tom's enlarged Salience Network might have driven the success, but this may not be the case for all patients. This technology underscores depression as a biological brain issue, not a matter of moral failure.
