Deep Brain Stimulation for Depression
Depression is a real physical illness with physical causes. A new experimental treatment called Deep Brain Stimulation is an improved version of electroshock therapy which sends a moderate current into the frontal cortex. Doctors deliver electricity via a pacemaker to an area of the brain called Cingulate 25 — a small region about one centimetre wide. It was identified by Dr. Mayberg as a region that processes emotions, particularly sadness. It’s turned on high in normal people who are asked to think about something depressing. In those with chronic depression, it’s on high all the time.
Posted: March 23rd, 2007 under About depression.
Comments: none
Write a comment