Illuminate Depression

QUEST on KQED Public Media.

A very good video about the symptoms of depression and antidepressants. It shows how antidepressants are supposed to work with nice graphics. The next topic is Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation or TMS. An option when medication isn’t working. One of 9 options for treatment resistant depression. A treatment is shown with some explanation of how it works. The FDA has approved TMS for depression, but is still costs a lot of money. Personally I am not impressed with the evidence of the efficacy of TMS for depression

Also shown is a way to stimulate rodent brains with light using light sensitive proteins in rodents, called optogenetics. It makes a nice model for activity in the brain during depression. It’s an example of how new tools and research are shedding light on brain structures that may play an integral role in treating depression.

Depression is also accompanied by cognitive distortions negative self beliefs. This is effectively treated with cognitive behavioral therapy. In this video it’s explained how brain scans can illuminate effects of CBT on depression

Very informative video, nicely made and luckily made availble.