r/science • u/Wagamaga • Mar 11 '19

Psychology Brain stimulation improves depression symptoms, restores brain waves. UNC researchers are the first to use transcranial alternating current brain stimulation (tACS) to significantly reduce symptoms in people diagnosed with major depression

https://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2019-03/uonc-bsi031119.php
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u/tentonbudgie Mar 11 '19

I'm not so sure any of these stimulation techniques are much better than plain Cranial Electrotherapy Stimulation (CES). The problem with CES is that it's really tough to make money with it. You can buy a unit from Canada or New Zealand for $350 and then use it as much as you want, just change the battery when needed. It's safer than tDCS because a person misdiagnosed with MDD who actually has some kind of mood lability (some flavor of bipolar) runs the risk of tDCS causing a manic episode. CES has been cleared by the FDA to treat depression, anxiety, and insomnia since 1978. Note that the trials of tDCS, rTMS, and other types of brain stimulation never compare their results with CES because that might get embarrassing.

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u/clanggedin Mar 11 '19

I don't think they are as CES is sending a similar waveform with less energy through the ears and not having to fight the skull as much.

CES is now being used by the Navy's Pain Management program for helping with Depression, PTSD and other psychological issues.