Chapter Seven - Treating Mood Disorders

Abstract

Depression continues to be on the increase in the United States and worldwide, according to current statistics, which supports the need to expand potential treatment options beyond psychotropic medications. Psychotropic medications are still the primary approach to treatment and considered best practice in the medical community for mood disorders; however, studies show limited response rates to medication in participants but a high placebo response rate. This chapter explores the use of various brain-based treatment modalities and technologies for the treatment of mood disorders. Neurofeedback, auditory visual stimulation, cranial electrostimulation, transcranial magnetic stimulation and vagus nerve stimulation studies for the treatment of depression were all reviewed to evaluate their efficacy. The studies reviewed show that all modalities have their strengths and weaknesses, but should be considered viable treatment modalities to improve symptoms of depression.