An electric headset for treating depression has been recommended as a more widespread treatment for depression following a successful NHS trial. But it is not yet known what the long-term benefits of the device are.
One National Health Service study found that an innovative electric headset for treating depression is an effective way to reduce symptoms and recommended its more widespread use in healthcare settings.
The Flow Neuroscience headset was provided to patients with depression by their GP to use daily for 30 minutes over a six-week period as a non-invasive way to manage the illness.
The study found it was an “effective treatment for depression” using a brain stimulation technique known as transcranial direct current stimulation, or tDCS.
The device delivers a weak direct electrical current to the front part of the brain to stimulate the areas responsible for emotional expression.
The research found that more than 58% of people saw improvements within six weeks, and one in three went into remission without any improvement. depression symptoms.
Flow Neuroscience claims it is the “first and only clinically approved home treatment for depression” and can be used alongside other therapies such as talking therapies or medications.
It was tested on patients by Northamptonshire NHS Foundations Trust, but can also be purchased privately for £399.
One such patient is James Maynard, who struggled with depression before using the headset.
He told Sky News: “I was so depressed, I didn’t have any goals and just went through the emotions of everyday life.
“Go to work, come home from the kids, sleep. If I could sleep.”
After just a few weeks of using the device every day for 30 minutes, he says his symptoms noticeably improved.
“I was starting to sleep a little better. The wife even said I was happier. I wasn’t waking up grumpy. So obviously something was going on.”
James Maynard, who battled depression and is using the headset
One of the leaders of the NHS study is Dr Azhar Zafar, who told Sky News that patients report having to use less medication as a result of the device.
He says: “It’s a new option because for years and years we will only have the option of medication or cognitive behavioral therapy. This treatment method is an additional treatment.”
It is not yet known, however, what the long-term benefits of the device are for depression in the last six weeks.
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GP Dr Anita Raja told Sky News that “when it comes to mental health One of the most important things is to understand what the patient’s relapse may be once treatment is interrupted or suspended.”
She says the device is promising, but wants to know “what happens when the patient stops using the device – do they become depressed again?”
This story originally appeared on News.sky.com read the full story
