London, Jan 4 : A brain pacemaker, which is implanted under the skull and sends electrical impulses deep into the brain, may help alleviate the ordeal of treatment resistant depression, a new study has revealed.

The study led by Dr Helen Mayberg from the Emory University School of Medicine in Atlanta, Georgia, took into consideration patients with bipolar disorder along with those with severe depression. It followed on from an earlier study by Dr Mayberg that was the first to show deep brain stimulation could help people with major depressive disorder.

In the latest trial, study participants received single-blind stimulation for four weeks (patients did not know if the DBS system was on or off), followed by active stimulation for 24 weeks, the Daily Mail reported.

Patients were assessed for up to two years following onset of active stimulation. Seventeen patients were enrolled in the study.

Each study participant was implanted with two thin wire electrodes, one on each side of the brain while the other end of each wire was connected under the skin of patient’s neck to a pulse generator implanted in the chest - similar to a pacemaker - that directed the electrical current.

The electrical stimulation is adjustable and can be modified as the person’s disease changes.

The scientists revealed that 41 per cent responded to the treatment while 18 per cent achieved remission in the first 24 weeks and these rates greatly improved as stimulation continued.

After two years of active stimulation 92 per cent had responded to the treatment in some way, whilst 58 per cent had achieved remission.

The treatment is a comparatively safe procedure that does not obliterate any part of the brain.

The study has been published Online First by Archives of General Psychiatry. (ANI)