United States: Depression has become a significant concern among the residents of the United States; as many as 21 million adults in the United States are living with mood disorders, as per the reports by Forbes Health.
Out of the total, 3.7 million people aged 12 to 17 are dealing with major depression, and around 2.5 million are having severe depression. However, a recent study by investigators at the University of Cincinnati revealed that the spinal cord could be a pathway to better mood and can even end depression.
The researchers revealed that they are conducting a study that will reveal whether tweaking the spinal cord can ease depression or not. They further highlighted that the study is in its very early stages.
The team further mentioned that the initial 20-minute session unveiled that the spinal cord and depression are interlinked. In this regard, the scientists explained that the spinal cord, along with other functions, serves as a bridge between the body and the brain. It transmits the information from other body parts to the mood centers of the brain.
The researchers continued that an informational “overload” on this pathway might overwhelm the brain – playing a role in depression, as per HealthDay.
The study was headed by Dr Francis Romo-Nava, who was behind the development of the non-invasive spinal cord stimulation method. It is to be noted that he has patented the method. He further mentioned that this technology might help decrease the “noise” traveling along the spinal cord, which can provide relief to the burdened brain.
Romo-Nava was quoted saying, “Spinal cord stimulation is thought to help the brain modulate itself as it should by decreasing the noise or decreasing the hyperactive signaling that may be in place during a depressive syndrome,” as per HealthDay.
He further clarified that under the current trial, only 20 patients – having depression – were tested. The spinal cord stimulation therapy was given to ten (10) of the patients three times a week for eight (8) consecutive years. However, the remaining ten (10) were given “sham” treatment.
Under the sham treatment, an electrical current is given to the spinal cord of the patient, and the intensity of the current is below the threshold required for any effect. Romo-Nava mentioned that all the patients were okay with the current level delivered to them.
According to HealthDay, through the news releases, the lead author stated, “We used a current that is so small that it’s about ten times smaller than the one known to induce tissue damage. So, that’s also pretty encouraging because there’s a lot to explore in terms of what the optimal dose and session frequency are.”
Is spinal cord therapy a path to improve depressive disorders?
While gathering the findings of the study, the researchers outlined that those who received therapy witnessed more relief in their depressive symptoms as compared to the individuals who received the sham treatment.
However, the researchers underscored that the group on which the study was conducted was very small; therefore, it is too early to draw any conclusion.
These findings were published in Molecular Psychiatry on December 20.
Were there any side effects of the study?
According to the researchers, the patients do experience some side effects, including redness at the sites where stimulation was provided. Along with this, the patients also complained about burning sensations and itching during the therapy session.
Dr Romo-Nava said, “We need to be cautious when we interpret these results because of the pilot nature and the small sample size of the study.”
He further added, “While the primary outcome was positive and it shows therapeutic potential, we should acknowledge all the limitations of the study.”