Noninvasively Stimulating Deep Brain Areas to Treat Depression Symptoms

https://www.nimh.nih.gov/news/science-news/2024/noninvasively-stimulating-deep-brain-areas-to-treat-depression-symptoms Changes in brain activity are known contributors to the risk for depression. Can altering the activity between brain areas also offer a treatment for this common but serious mood disorder? A neuroimaging study funded by the National Institute of Mental Health explored whether a brain stimulation therapy known as repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) could target regions deep in the brain via their surface connections. The study offers new evidence that stimulating deeper brain areas can reduce depression symptoms and identifies a possible target for improved depression treatment.