Deep brain stimulation strengthens reward signals after one 20-minute session, study finds
A study from Emory University School of Medicine suggests that a single 20-minute session of noninvasive deep brain stimulation, paired with mindful breathing, may strengthen the brain's response to reward and reduce anxiety. Changes in reward-related brain activity remained detectable for approximately one week after the session.
A single 20-minute session of noninvasive deep brain stimulation, coupled with mindful breathing, could enhance the brain's response to rewards and alleviate anxiety, according to a study from Emory University School of Medicine. The research, published in NeuroImage, explored temporal interference stimulation, an emerging technology that employs weak electrical currents delivered via scalp electrodes to influence activity in the ventral striatum, a brain region linked to motivation and reward.
This intervention led to heightened reward positivity signals on electroencephalography (EEG) measures and diminished anxiety levels. The researchers measured the brain's response to a reward-related signal known as reward positivity, which reflects the processing of positive experiences. While anhedonia, or difficulty experiencing pleasure, is a hallmark of depression and other psychiatric conditions, this novel approach may offer a non-surgical alternative to existing therapies, potentially benefiting those for whom psychotherapy and medication are inadequate or unsuitable.
The technique, however, is still under investigation and requires further replication and clinical evaluation to determine its consistency, duration, and patient suitability.
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