Hi there, has anybody heard of a transcreenal electrostimulation - new drug free method of therapy?

Question

Apparently it is a method where electro impulses are sent to activate the defence system of the brain and produce naturally more serotonin and endorphin, who consequently are released in the bloodstream

Answer 1

vagus nerve therapy (that they implant in your brain)?

http://www.vnstherapy.com/

Answer 2

Its actually called trans-cranial magnetic stimulation or TMS. It is an attmept to get some of the benefits of electroschock therapy in a less intense way and with fewer side effects.

The way it works is there is a little stimulator that is held on the outside of your head up against usually the front of your head. It stimulates the brain through your scalp and that stimulation seems to at least in some cases ease depressive symptoms.

It is not actually scientifically confirmed that whats it doing is releasing more serotonin, but that is a hypothesis. the truth is we don't actually understand how electric shock therapy or this TMS work - both what exactlt they are doing in the brain and why they can relieve depressive symptoms.

Electric shock therapy is only used (now) in severe, drug resistant cases. But TMS is being tested in a variety of people. There are some studies which show good results - a few studies that are not as definitive - and no studies yet seeing how long term the effects are.

I believe at this point it is still considered experimental and to get the treatment you would have to find a doctor doing a research study, but it may have gotten farther than that in the approval processes.

The scientists I know who are proponents of it are very hopeful and convinced by their results - I think it may end up being a promising new avenue of treatment - but there is still a lot of research being done about the whole thing.

Answer 3

That sounds like promising treatment for depression.