Neurofeedback May Help Cure Treatment-resistant Depression

Living with a mental disorder like depression can be awfully debilitating. However, living with
depression that does not respond to treatment can be comparatively more dangerous. Such
a condition, commonly known as treatment-resistant depression (TRD), affects about one-
third of those with depression. People suffering from TRD could work doggedly toward
recovery from depressive symptoms for months or years without any sign of relief even after
the multiple rounds of treatment.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), depression is the leading cause of
disability worldwide that affects more than 300 million individuals across the globe. Despite
the considerable progress made in the field of depression treatment, there has been no
headway in addressing TRD. The failure of different types of antidepressants in alleviating
depressive symptoms in the case of TRD can prove quite demotivating.
With as many as 100
million individuals
grappling with TRD
worldwide, any
attempts to attain
functional recovery
from this problem may
seem elusive.
However, a recent
Korean study has
displayed that
neurofeedback has the
capability to improve
both individual
symptoms and the
overall recovery in
TRD.
Neurofeedback changes unique brainwaves
The problem of TRD remains enigmatic and incomprehensible for mental health experts.
Some consider that TRD may be at play when a patient does not respond to two different
classes of antidepressants, others necessitate depression to be resistant to at least four
different treatments for a TRD diagnosis. Regardless, individuals with TRD are left with limited
options and often struggle with depression treatment. However, a recent study suggests that
neurofeedback offers a viable treatment when patients concentrate on modifying their
brainwave patterns along with antidepressants.
Prior studies have showcased that different moods are associated with distinct brainwaves.
Based on this conclusion, the study enrolled 12 patients with TRD and 12 controls with major

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depressive disorder (MDD) who displayed residual symptoms and functional impairment after
undergoing antidepressant treatment. The participants were asked to change the levels of
only those brain waves displayed on the computer screen.
For the study, the patients underwent a 12-week regular session to learn the art of changing
their brainwaves in response to audio and visual signals under beta/sensorimotor rhythm and
alpha/theta training. In addition, their psychological progress was measured via standard
questionnaires at weeks 1, 4 and 12 that entailed factors, such as interpersonal relationships,
ability to work and family life.
The key findings of the study are as follows:

Eight of the 12 participants who underwent neurofeedback responded to treatment,

while five of them improved enough to meet the criteria for remission.
The control group did not exhibit any improvement from baseline after 12 weeks.
According to Henricus Ruhe, M.D., Ph.D., Department of Psychiatry Raboudumc, Nijmegen,
This is a very interesting study targeting remaining depressive symptoms in patients who
insufficiently responded to previous treatment trials of antidepressants. Although the
number of included patients are small we should consider this pilot study as promising and
suggesting that alternative approaches might be beneficial in nonresponding depressed
patients.
Given the fact that neurofeedback has no side effects, Professor Eun-Jin Cheon of Yeungnam
University Hospital, South Korea suggests that it can improve the symptoms of patients with
TRD and empower them to lead successful lives as a complementary treatment. In addition,
this intervention approach could also improve self-efficacy by active participation and
voluntary treatment.
Although the study sample size was relatively small, the new approach has the potential to
treat patients with TRD who are otherwise considered an untreatable group of patients. Only
further research will determine if this approach is viable for clinical treatment and inclusion
in the future guidelines for treating depression.
Depression does not define an individual
TRD can leave anybody feeling discouraged; however, the failure of multiple treatments does
not necessarily mean that an individual is in a deadlock. Because different patients respond
to treatment differently, it is important to find the right approach with the collaboration of
health care providers. Besides accessing an effective treatment, one should share his or her
inhibitions and fears with an expert.
If you or your loved one is battling the symptoms of depression, it is advisable to seek
professional help. The Depression Treatment Helpline assists in accessing depression
recovery centers that specialize in delivering evidence-based intervention plans. Call at our
24/7 helpline number 866-619-7729 to know more about top depression rehab centers near
you.

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