Non Pharmacological Approach for Depression and Other Disorders, Different Illness

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Non Pharmacological Approach for Depression and Other Disorders

Brain stimulation therapies:

Brain stimulation therapies are non pharmacological method which involves activating or touching the brain directly with electricity, magnets, or implants to treat depression and other disorders. Among many techniques, electroconvulsive therapy is the most researched stimulation therapy.

Other stimulation therapies discussed here includes

Vagus nerve stimulation

 repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation

 magnetic seizure therapy

 Deep brain stimulation.

The latter methods are newer and more theoretical.

1. Electroconvulsive therapy

Introduction:

It is a non pharmacological standard psychiatric treatment in which seizures are electrically induced in patients and thus the treatment is done.

ECT is reserved for cases of treatment resistant cases of major depressive disorder, schizophrenia, mania and catatonia

First developed in 1938, electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) did not gain popularity in the beginning. However, the procedure has improved significantly since its initial use and is safe and effective.

Source: http://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/brain-stimulation-therapies/brain-stimulation-therapies.shtml

Uses:

It is used for the following purposes such as

• Severe, treatment-resistant depression

• Bipolar disorder

• Schizophrenia.

• Suicidal patients

• Severe depression.

Pre-requisite:

• Before ECT is administered, a person is sedated with general anesthesia.

• A muscle relaxant is also given to decrease the movement during the procedure.

• Vitals parameter like blood pressure, heart rate and respiratory rate should be monitored during the procedure.

Mechanism of action/Pr...

... middle of paper ...

...o reduce depression or OCD, scientists believe that the pulses help to "reset" the area of the brain that is malfunctioning so that it works normally again.

Side effects

DBS carries following risks

• Bleeding in the brain or stroke

• Infection

• Disorientation or confusion

• Unwanted mood changes

• Movement disorders

• Lightheadedness

• Insomnia

Long-term benefits and side effects are not reported.

Conclusion:

• Brain stimulation therapies are being used for treating the mental disorder not responding to usual treatment.

• Studies on rTMS are on progress.

• Other researchers are studying how the brain responds to VNS by using imaging techniques such as PET scans.

• Although DBS as a depression treatment is recent, researchers are are trying to find out its effectiveness and safety in treating OCD, depression and other mental disorder.

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