Scientists are pioneering an experimental brain treatment using ultrasound waves to combat addiction and depression, with promising results emerging from early trials. This revolutionary method, developed at West Virginia University’s Rockefeller Neuroscience Institute, uses a £790,000 ($1 million) helmet and goggles to deliver targeted ultrasound pulses to specific areas of the brain tied to addictive cravings.

Participants, including Joe Hilton, a 41-year-old with a history of heroin and methamphetamine use, reported a significant reduction or complete elimination of cravings after undergoing the procedure. Hilton, who battled addiction for two decades, revealed the treatment left him “feeling nothing” towards the substances that had ruled his life. Impressively, in a clinical trial of 30 patients, three-quarters were substance-free months post-treatment.

While researchers are optimistic, they urge caution against viewing the therapy as a miracle cure. Clinical neuropsychologist James Mahoney explained that removing cravings without addressing external stressors and developing adaptive coping mechanisms could lead to relapse.

The potential extends beyond addiction treatment, with similar brain-zapping methods showing promise for major depression. An innovative headset, using transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS), was found to alleviate all symptoms of depression in 57.5% of patients within 10 weeks during a recent trial. When paired with antidepressants, remission rates climbed to 67.1%.

Professor Allan Young from King’s College London hailed the findings, describing the results as “very exciting” and a potential game-changer in treating depression globally. With its non-invasive nature and compatibility with home use, this treatment offers a lifeline for those unresponsive to traditional therapies.

These innovative advances in brain stimulation hold tremendous promise, potentially reshaping how conditions like addiction and depression are managed in the future. Cynthia Owens from the American Institute of Ultrasound in Medicine noted, “Ultrasound therapy represents a new development in the field of addiction treatment. By offering a noninvasive, adjustable, and effective method for modulating brain activity, ultrasound has the potential to change the way we approach addiction”.

Similarly, Dr. Nassima Ait-Daoud Tiouririne from UVA’s Center for Leading Edge Addiction Research mentioned, “If successful, we become one step closer to developing new, safer ways to treat addiction. Addiction is a brain disorder. Treatment should include noninvasive neuromodulation of the brain circuits that cause the addiction in the first place”. See more: News-medical.net

This breakthrough in brain treatment could be life-changing for those battling addiction and depression, offering hope where other treatments have failed. Researchers remain focused on refining the approach, ensuring it becomes a sustainable and accessible option for those in need.

Source: INDEPENDENT