Patients With Neurological Disorders Show Interest in Neuromodulation
Patients preferred ultrasound stimulation, followed by magnetic stimulation, drugs, electrical stimulation, and brain implantations.
Patients who need treatment for neurological and mental health disorders reportedly favor non-invasive neuromodulation interventions compared with current interventions, including pharmaceutical drugs, according to a study published in Scientific Reports.1,2
Patients preferred ultrasound stimulation, followed by magnetic stimulation, drugs, electrical stimulation, and brain implantations. | Image Credit: ArtemisDiana | stock.adobe.com
“Providing accurate information to patients significantly improved positive perception of neuromodulation. This emphasized the importance of education and awareness in understanding new medical interventions to foster informed decision-making, positive perception of new neuromodulation techniques, and increase adherence to treatment,” Marcus Kaiser, PhD, professor of neuroinformatics at the School of Medicine at the University of Nottingham, said in a news release.2
Neuromodulation alters the nerve activity in the brain through different deliveries of stimulus, including electrical stimulation of chemical agents. According to a review of 35 studies, 49% of patients with major psychiatric disorders—including schizophrenia, depressive, and bipolar disorders—were non-adherent to their psychotropic medication. The rates were 56%, 50%, and 44% for each psychiatric disorder, respectively.1,3
Investigators of the current study aimed to gather the general population’s view on neuromodulation and compared the 5 different approaches: chemical methods (pharmaceuticals), brain implants, electrical stimulation, magnetic stimulation, and ultrasound stimulation. Individuals were recruited through Twitter/X, UK and international charities focused on brain and mental health conditions, and mailing lists. There were 4 sections to the questionnaire, including basic information about neuromodulation, the presentation of the 5 approaches, demographic information, and data about their condition and treatment.1
A total of 784 individuals participated in the online survey, with an overrepresentation of females, patients in the UK, patients with a bachelor’s degree, unemployed individuals or students, and those in good health or having neurological disorders. Investigators reported that neuromodulation was mostly perceived as interesting (81%) for the participants, and 48% reported confusion. Furthermore, neuromodulation was not related to patients feeling optimistic (58%), but the degree of worries reported was high at 32%.1
When the different approaches were explained more, 70% reported optimism, 63% reported being comfortable, and 62% were excited. Although the degree of confusion improved at 74%, 38% of patients were worried and 9% were angry, according to the study authors. Patients also preferred ultrasound stimulation, which was most frequently ranked as the first or second choice, followed by magnetic stimulation, drugs, electrical stimulation, and brain implantation. Further, investigators “found that drugs were preferred by young people (18–29 years old), brain implants by people with a high school educational level, magnetic stimulation by males, and ultrasound stimulation by females.”1
Ultrasound and magnetic stimulations were preserved as safe, electrical stimulation had no clear opinion on safety, and drugs and brain implants were perceived as unsafe.1
“Our study provides valuable insights into the priorities and preferences of current and potential future treatments, finding a preference for non-invasive neuromodulation. There is a clear opening for government and industry stakeholders to prioritize the development and endorsement of safe, non-invasive brain stimulation treatments,” Kaiser said.2
