Magnetic Seizure Therapy (MST) can Treat Depression by Changing the Structure and Function of our Brains
Magnetic Seizure Therapy (MST) is similar to rTMS: it is a safe, painless, effective, and non-invasive way to treat even severe depression that hasn’t improved with antidepressants. MST also uses a device placed on the scalp to deliver a magnetic field that disrupts the brain’s electrical activity. However, MST is stronger. In fact, it is intended to elicit a closely-monitored seizure that is then thought to rewire the brain for the better. The researchers of the current study were wondering if changes in the brain structure (size) and function (activity) were related to improvements in depression after MST.
Memory-Related Regions of the Brain Function Differently in Those with Treatment-Resistant Depression
Depression doesn’t just affect the way people feel, it also affects the way people think. Specifically, a lot of people with depression notice that their memory might have become worse: they may have difficulty studying for school exams, misplace their things, or forgetting what they needed from the store. Many studies have looked into why this might be, looking particularly at the structure of our brain’s memory center, but not its function. The researchers of the current study were wondering if changes in the brain structure (size) and function (activity) were related to differences in memory among people with treatment-resistant depression, when compared to those without.
Memory can improve after rTMS treatment for those with depression-related cognitive symptoms
Did you know that poor mood is not the only way to diagnose depression? In fact, cognitive impairment – worsened thinking, concentration, and decision making – is one of nine criteria for the disorder. This impairment is even more common and severe among those who have treatment-resistant depression: a particular case where someone does not improve with standard antidepressant medications. This study assessed changes to cognition 3 months post-rTMS among a group of people with treatment-resistant depression and compared it to people without depression.
Accelerated magnetic seizure therapy (aMST) for treatment of major depressive disorder: A pilot study
Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) is often the recommendation for severe and treatment-resistant depression. However, treatments need to be spaced out over long periods of time to prevent cognitive side effects. Magnetic seizure therapy (MST) uses magnetic—not electrical—stimulation to similarly treat depression. Because of its unique approach and less side effects when compared to ECT, researchers wonder if MST treatments can be safely and effectively accelerated to reduce treatment time.
Effect of combined yoga and transcranial direct current stimulation intervention on working memory and mindfulness
Both yoga and transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) have been shown to improve mood and cognition. Though, we are unsure if combining the two, together, can improve their positive benefits. This study looked to determine if there is a synergistic effect between yoga and tDCS improved working memory and mindfulness.
Age-Related Changes in Brain Excitability in Healthy Humans
It may be well-known that aging affects nearly every part of our lives – both good and bad. In particular, there have been a growing number of studies that look to see how aging impacts our brain, which is a field of research capable of driving our idea of what is “successful” aging, and how we might be able to support people’s health across the lifespan. Ferrari et al. (2017) use neurophysiological techniques to see how the brain responds to rTMS to investigate this topic.
Cognitive Impairment in Treatment-Resistant Depression
Depression is well-known to negatively impact mood, but relatively few studies have looked at how this disorder may impact cognition, or thinking ability. This is important because better cognitive ability is linked to better functioning in daily life (e.g., work or home responsibilities). This information could inform how we help people with depression. We do not know whether everyone with depression has difficulties with their cognition. We also do not know whether these difficulties span across all cognitive domains, or are specific to just a few (e.g., memory, learning). This study looked to answer these questions and identify what may predict worse cognitive impairment in those with treatment-resistant depression.