posted on May, 11 2009 @ 12:28 PM
They have been using these implantable electronic stimulators in the treatment of other disorders (for example, Parkinson's disease) with great
success for many years (at least 15). And as someone who has had to take pharmaceutic antidepressants for several years, I wholeheartedly hope that
this research is successful.
Think of the difference that pacemakers and implantable cardiac defibrillators have made in the treatment of heart rhythm disorders. People who would
have died or at least been completely reliant on medication are able to lead normal lives through such interventions.
I understand the concern regarding the possible application of this technology to mind control, and I share it. But I also believe that if such
research is being done covertly, then it is being done; that is no excuse to keep such promising technology from people for whom it might have a
legitimate use.
As I understand it, one problem with antidepressants is that the neurotransmitter systems that they act on are important in so many functions in the
body aside from mood. These implantable electronic stimulation devices can be very precisely targeted; the hope is that only the area responsible for
the mood disorder can be stimulated.
Here's another article on DBS (deep brain stimulation) in depression:
source
And in Parkinson's:
source