A Powerful Remedy for Depression: Microcurrent Neurofeedback

Revolutionary Bio-Technology that is going to change the world

TLDR

• Microcurrent Neurofeedback is a better treatment for anxiety and depression than the medications that are currently being prescribed.

• The mechanism of action is sound science for regulating brain activity and neuroplasticity.

• It is completely safe, and results occur very quickly (IASIS reports that most patients notice results within the first few sessions).

Overview

IASIS Microcurrent Neurofeedback is a non-invasive treatment that uses low levels of electrical currents to stimulate the brain and help it reorganize itself. During a session, electrodes are placed on the scalp to monitor brainwave activity, and the IASIS device delivers microcurrents in response to aberrant brainwave patterns.

The microcurrents stimulate the brain's ability to self-regulate and optimize its own function. The treatment is painless and typically takes about 10 minutes per session. IASIS Microcurrent Neurofeedback has shown promising results in treating a variety of neurological conditions, including traumatic brain injuries, PTSD, anxiety and depression.

The IASIS system specifically targets the brain's Default Mode Network (DMN), a network of brain regions that are active when we are not focused on the outside world. This network is associated with functions such as self-reflection, daydreaming, and mind wandering. It is also believed to be involved in several neurological and psychiatric disorders, such as anxiety, depression, PTSD and psychological symptoms from traumatic brain injuries.

The IASIS therapy uses a unique form of microcurrent stimulation called Low Energy Neurofeedback System (LENS) to disrupt the activity of the DMN. This disruption is believed to reset the network and improve its functioning. The LENS technology uses a very low electrical current, typically in the range of 1-2 Hz, to stimulate the brain.

Often people who experience these disorders, are entangled with an overstimulation of the sympathetic nervous system, which is responsible for “fight or flight” responses. They can become stuck in this loop that perpetuates stress or signaling danger, which is what anxiety was designed for.

Default Mode Network and Emotional Regulation

Research has suggested that the DMN may play a significant role in the development of depression and anxiety. In depression, the DMN is thought to be overactive, leading to excessive rumination, negative self-referential processing, and difficulty disengaging from negative thoughts and emotions. In other words, the DMN may be "stuck" in a negative mode, leading to persistent negative thinking patterns that contribute to depression.

This accurately describes Mark Manson’s “negative feedback loop from hell” in his best-selling book The Subtle Art of Not Giving a F*ck. “I lost all this weight, but then gained it back. I am such a loser. I don’t deserve to be healthy. Now I feel bad and now I am feeling bad about feeling bad.” You get the idea.

I loved this passage in his book, because it accurately describes how people fall into depression or anxiety and being aware of this is great for breaking the cycle. This is also important to understand for why microcurrent neurofeedback works.

How does it work?

As previously mentioned, microcurrent neurofeedback (MCN) has been shown to modulate the default mode network (DMN) and promote neuroplasticity, which refers to the brain's ability to adapt and reorganize itself in response to environmental stimuli.

In individuals with anxiety or depression, it is thought that the DMN is overactive, which can interfere with other neural networks, including the Executive Control Network (ECN) and the Salience Network (SN). The ECN is responsible for goal-oriented behavior, while the SN is responsible for detecting and processing relevant information.

When these three networks interact harmoniously, optimal cognitive and emotional functioning can be achieved. However, dysfunction between them can lead to various issues. MCN can help promote a balance between these networks by disrupting the overstimulated DMN and facilitating neuroplasticity, which may in turn lead to improved cognitive and emotional functioning.

Neuroplasticity is also crucial for patients with traumatic brain injuries (TBIs). Since each TBI is unique and can result in varied brain damage, it's difficult to pinpoint the exact neural circuits that are affected. However, there is emerging evidence suggesting that the DMN may play a role in the manifestation of TBI symptoms. Studies have shown that alterations in the DMN are present in patients with TBIs, which may be associated with cognitive impairments.

Should you try it?

If you are struggling with any of the aforementioned issues, then it is worth investigating. There is evidence that anti-depressants (SSRIs) are ineffective and are often prescribed haphazardly. How could you know for sure there is a chemical imbalance in the brain? Did you run any tests? The chemical imbalance argument is often touted in support of these medications, but it is beginning to be more scrutinized.

People often overlook the severity of these medications. If you can’t say for certain if there is indeed a chemical imbalance in the brain, then should you be treating for that? Probably not.

I personally have experienced the horrible side effects of anti-depressants when I was having gastrointestinal issues when I was younger. The doctor thought it might be because of anxiety so he gave me an SSRI called Imipramine. I took it for about a month and my mood darkened and I became an emotionless zombie, and I had trouble waking up in the morning; my dad immediately noticed the change and we stopped it. I have also witnessed what these drugs have done to other people, and it has only made their life worse.

Microcurrent Neurofeedback holds promise as a potential alternative to medication for individuals struggling with psychiatric disorders and those with traumatic brain injuries - as current treatment modalities are very limited.

Cultivating a positive mindset and regularly practicing gratitude are crucial in maintaining a positive outlook and must accompany neurofeedback. This is part of the holistic approach to medicine and while neurofeedback is very effective, it can’t fix a bad attitude.