2024-07-03 11:00:16
Journal of Psychiatric Research recently published a promising study on an innovative method to relieve heartbreak using a brain stimulation helmet. Researchers from the University of Zanjan (Iran) and theBielefeld University (Germany) tested this device on 36 volunteers suffering from “syndrome of trauma “in love”, a clinical condition caused by a rupture in love.
For five days, participants used the headset for 20 minutes, twice a day. They were divided into three groups: the first received a stimulation of cortex dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC), the second from the ventrolateral prefrontal cortex (VLPFC), and the third group wore an inactive headset to serve as a reference.
The researchers observed a significant reduction in symptoms of depression and anxiety in participants in the first two groups, compared to the control group. The results were particularly marked in those who received stimulation of the DLPFC. These brain regions were targeted because of their role in regulating emotions.
According to the scientists, “emotion regulation is considered the primary goal of treatment” in cases of heartbreak. One month following the end of treatment, the volunteers still felt better, thus showing a lasting effectiveness of this technique. These promising results of this study, however, need to be confirmed by larger trials.
Transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) is a method already used in clinical research to treat various emotional disorders. The UK National Health Service (NHS) is currently exploring the effectiveness of similar devices to treat mild depression.
“Love trauma syndrome” is characterized by intense emotional distress, depression, anxiety, insomnia, obsessive thoughts, and an increased risk of suicide. Conventional treatments, such as therapy cognitive-behavioral, are not always effective. tDCS might thus represent an innovative complementary approach for these difficult-to-treat cases.
Researchers have therefore highlighted a new therapeutic approach to alleviate the emotional suffering associated with romantic breakups. Stimulation of specific areas of the brain involved in the regulation of emotions might thus offer significant and lasting relief for those who suffer from this syndrome.
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