Neurostimulation as a ‘cure’ for depression: is it possible to biohack your brain?
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Why experts are urging caution on the ‘vagus nerve reset’ trend
- Neurostimulation, including at-home headsets and in-clinic treatments like rTMS, is gaining popularity as a potential treatment for depression and anxiety.
- While at-home devices promise "mental fitness" benefits like improved mood and focus, scientific evidence supporting their long-term effectiveness is limited.
- The "vagus nerve reset" trend on social media, often promoting at-home neurostimulation devices, oversimplifies complex neuroscience, experts say.
- rTMS, a more intense form of neurostimulation administered by professionals, shows promise for treatment-resistant depression and other mental health conditions, with minimal side effects compared to medication.
- While neurostimulation may offer some benefits for mild mood issues, it's not a magic bullet and should be combined with other healthy habits.