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It is not uncommon to listen to music after a heartbreak, to chase away the sadness. Based on this idea, scientists have developed a new type of helmet, capable of stimulating certain areas of the brain, to reduce the symptoms of rupture.
Researchers from the University of Zanjan in Iran and the University of Bielefeld in Germany have developed an astonishing helmet. Used for a few minutes several times a day, this helmet could alleviate the painful symptoms of rupture thanks to magnetic stimulation.
Brain stimulation that targets two areas in particular
For this work, the researchers brought together a small cohort of 36 volunteers, all affected by “love trauma syndrome”. Under this name hide different symptoms such as depression, anxiety, sadness, insomnia, negative thoughts… following a breakup.
All wore this transcranial direct current stimulation headset for 20 minutes, twice a day for five days. Three groups were formed:
- In the first, the magnetic field was aimed at the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex;
- In the second, it targeted the ventrolateral prefrontal cortex, two areas at the front of the brain;
- Finally, in the last one, the headset was turned off.
Apart from the placebo group (used to demonstrate the real effectiveness of the helmet), the zones were chosen because scientists know that they participate in the regulation of emotions.
A significant reduction in breakup symptoms
Result: the helmet would be effective in reducing the symptoms of romantic trauma syndrome, according to scientists. Indeed, in the first two groups, the protocols followed have “significantly reduced symptoms and improved depression and anxiety after the intervention” compared to the third control group. And the effects were greater in the first group than in the second.
“Since negative emotions dominate after the failure of an emotional relationship and emotional dysregulation occurs, emotion regulation is considered the primary goal of treatment” explain the researchers.
Reviewed one month after stopping wearing helmets, the participants still felt better. For the authors, “These promising results need to be reproduced in larger trials.” to better support these initial conclusions.
Transcranial stimulation, an innovative non-invasive therapy
Transcranial stimulation is a non-invasive stimulation technique of the cerebral cortex which works using a coil placed on the patient’s head and which allows, thanks to a magnetic field generated by this coil, to cause excitation, or On the contrary, an inhibition of the brain area in question. It has demonstrated its effectiveness against resistant depression and neuropathic pain. Other studies have demonstrated effects against OCD, tobacco addiction, post-traumatic stress syndrome, anxiety disorders, but also schizophrenia. Trials are underway for fibromyalgia, Parkinson’s disease and Alzheimer’s disease.
Slide: The keys to getting over a breakup