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A recent study revealed a development in the treatment of depression: a head-mounted device emitting ultra-low frequency magnetic fields has demonstrated efficacy in improving symptoms in four male patients diagnosed with major depressive disorder.

The therapy, which utilizes an Extremely Low Frequency Magnetic Environment (ELF-ELME), targets mitochondria stimulation, a process believed to renew energy production and alleviate depression-associated lethargy. Led by Professor Toshiya Inada and Masako Tachibana of Nagoya University in Japan, the research team conducted an exploratory first-in-human study, enrolling four male participants aged 18 to 75 years.

Throughout the eight-week trial, participants wore the head-mounted device for two hours daily, experiencing exposure to ELF-ELME. Despite the study's small sample size and absence of a control group, all patients reported a significant reduction in depression levels, indicating potential efficacy of the therapy.

While acknowledging the preliminary nature of the study, researchers emphasize the feasibility of larger-scale clinical trials to further validate the therapy's effectiveness. Professor Inada highlights the device's noninvasive nature, with magnetic field levels well below established safety standards, making it suitable for home-based treatment.

"The magnetic field generated by the device is non-invasive, being 1/4.5 of the Japanese geomagnetic field and less than 1/60 of the International Commission on Non-Ionizing Radiation Protection's general public exposure standard," Inada explained, Science Daily reported. "We anticipate that patients will be able to receive daily home treatment without even being aware of being in a low magnetic field environment."

Compared to conventional depression treatments such as medication and electroconvulsive therapy, the magnetic therapy offers greater convenience and fewer anticipated side effects. Inada envisions its integration into patient-centered care, providing an alternative for individuals averse to medication or seeking complementary treatments.

The study is published in published in the Asian Journal of Psychiatry.