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Maastricht: Researchers at Maastricht UMC+ have discovered a
receptive brain region that may play an important role in mood and
temperament. Initial experiments suggest that stimulation of this
particular area of the brain may help treat depression. The technique is
called deep brain simulation and is used in Maastricht UMC+ to treat
Parkinson’s, among other diseases. The results of this study were
published in the leading scientific journal Translational Psychiatry.
Depression is one of the most common psychological disorders in the world. According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), more than 350 million people suffer from this disorder worldwide. Treatment for depression consists of medication (antidepressants), electroconvulsive therapy, and/or psychotherapy. One in five patients, however, do not experience a measurable reduction in symptoms from these treatments. Researchers are therefore looking for new treatment techniques for depression.
Influencing mood
Deep brain simulation is an innovative technique that stimulates localised areas of the brain using electrical impulses. ‘Until now, this method has only had limited success as a treatment for depression,’ says Professor Yasin Temel, a Maastricht neurosurgeon who specialises in brain stimulation and has successfully applied this treatment in patients with Parkinson’s. ‘To effectively apply deep brain stimulation for depression, we first need to know which area of the brain influences mood. We think we’ve found it.’
Happiness hormone
The brain region in question is referred to as the ventromedial prefrontal cortex. This specific area is present in all mammals and involved in the decision-making process and emotional response process. Stimulating this area appears to have a positive effect on mood as it influences the brain cells that produce the ‘happiness hormone’ serotonin. ‘Deep brain stimulation may offer relief for severely depressed patients who have not responded well to alternative therapies,’ says Temel.