Depression trial finds home brain stimulation with gaming is feasible, but questions remain
A new international clinical trial, DiSCoVeR, has demonstrated that a home-based, noninvasive brain stimulation system combined with video games is a feasible treatment for major depression. While the study confirms the protocol can be safely delivered across borders, researchers note that further investigation is needed to understand the specific drivers of symptom improvement.
Why it matters
This study highlights the potential for accessible, remote mental health interventions, which could help address the global burden of depression for patients who do not respond to traditional treatments.
edited by Gaby Clark , reviewed by Robert Egan
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Add to Preferred Sources Credit: Unsplash/CC0 Public Domain A new international clinical trial has found that people living with major depression can reliably use a noninvasive brain stimulation system at home. Published in JAMA Network Open , the study shows that a relatively complex remote treatment protocol can be delivered safely and feasibly across several countries, while also underscoring the need to better understand what drives symptom improvement in depression trials.
Depression affects millions of people worldwide, and while medication and psychotherapy can be effective, not everyone responds to existing treatments. Researchers are therefore exploring alternatives that could make mental health care more accessible, including technologies that patients can use at home.
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