American Emily describes depression as a black hole where gravity is so strong that she can barely move. She knows that the disease can kill her. Both of her parents committed suicide.
Now she has joined the trial of a new experimental therapy. Electrodes were implanted into her brain.
Researchers say deep brain stimulation could ultimately help the nearly three million Americans suffering from depression. Today this method is used to treat Parkinson’s disease and epilepsy.
The treatment sends electrical impulses to the brain, much like a pacemaker.
Emily was one of several hundred patients who took part in the testing. All of them had electrodes implanted in a region of the brain that regulates emotional behavior.
The electrodes are connected by a wire to a device located under the skin in her chest. It controls the intensity of electrical stimulation and delivers constant low-voltage pulses.
Doctors say that in the brain of a healthy person, electrical activity occurs unimpeded. And during depression, impulses seem to get stuck. And the stimulant helps break through such congestion.
Emily says she felt the effects almost instantly. Now she regrets that her parents did not have time to use such therapy.
However, some doctors are skeptical. They say complications such as bleeding, stroke or infection are possible after surgery.
Emily herself admits that brain stimulation is not a panacea. She is still on medication for depression and requires constant care. But at the same time, she has already begun to enjoy the little things in life, such as going to a cafe or library.
