Most everyone has heard of Area 51, the mysterious place where top secret military aircraft are tested and where, reportedly, UFOs like to visit. So what is Area 25, well, Brodmann Area 25?
Research shows that Brodmann Area 25, deep within the human brain, is probably the home of depression related symptoms. The wonderful thing is, now that this location is known (and how it works is known, too), a wide variety of invasive and non-invasive treatments can come to bear on it, providing tremendous relief for millions that suffer in silence.
I mention this because I am concerned for the 25 million Americans that suffer from mild to severe depression symptoms – most of whom are untreated – and because thousands attempt suicide each year. Just now, help is becoming available that does not involve expensive medications and sometimes terrible side effects. I also believe that if you have special knowledge that can help people, you have a moral obligation to share it.
All of this maps so beautifully into what I have been learning about tDCS over the last several months. It happens that at least a couple of tDCS scenarios (called a montage) address Area 25 of the brain and studies already report very positive treatment results.
If you are not familiar with tDCS, see my web site http://www.speakwisdom.com or take a look at http://www.transcranialbrainstimulation.com. In a nutshell, it is amazing technology involving a simple, safe procedure in which a tiny electrical current sourced from a 9 volt battery in a tDCS device is connected to the scalp via water soaked sponges. It’s being used to treat depression, chronic pain, Parkinson’s, enhance learning and recall, and more.
One of several ways to treat Area 25 is to place the anode (plus) sponge in the area of the right temple and the cathode (negative) sponge in the area of the left temple. Treatment is normally 20 minutes repeated daily for up to 30 days, but does vary by case. Followup treatment, if required, is typically once per week. Once trained, individuals can do their own treatments at home!
Just think, you or someone you know could be set free by this great new technology – no drugs, no side effects – definitely worth looking into. Help stamp out misery and suicide by getting the word out about tDCS and Area 25. Hey, even the military now uses tDCS – maybe they have been keeping secrets at Area 51!
SpeakWisdom 
1. To quote the above posting, “Once trained, individuals can do their own treatments at home!” Sounds good. So how might an individual become trained?
2. Thanks for writing this blog. I hope you can continue updating it as it is very difficult to find good information about tDCS.
Right now, there are few training options available. You mostly must figure it out by reading, watching videos, etc. I hope one day we can offer seminars around the country to help folks learn to use tDCS effectively and safely.
Brent
Brent,
Years ago I used a device similar to the one you built yourself and that are now more widely sold commercially. I used it hoping it would help with lifelong depression/anxiety disease (anxiety disease involves depression along with panic attacks, social phobia and those sorts of things).
It was modestly helpful although it tended to produce headaches. The recommended placement of the electrodes with that device in the little indentations at the base of the ears, or just below/behind the earlobes.
Could you explain why the electrode placement now seems to be different… what has been learned since then that indicates the new electrode placement sites are more effective at remediating depression.
Additionally, are you familiar with the work of Dr. Michael Persinger and his “god helmut”? I have long thought that the way to treat many mental/emotional conditions that traditional treatment modalities can’t do much for is to induce a transformational “spiritual” experience as Persinger’s “god helmut” reputedly does.
How Persinger’s “helmut” might differ or be similar to the devices you have researched and written about, I don’t know. My guess would be that the main difference is the electrode placement, or the area of the brain targeted for stimulation, or possibly the pulse rate applied. Not sure.
Lastly, would you mind telling me which particular device you’d recommend for someone who still deals with (at 65) the same anxiety disease bleck that he’s been dealing with for seemingly ever now?
Thanks,
Doug
Hi Doug,
I strongly suggest you look at my post: https://speakwisdom.wordpress.com/2014/04/18/the-roadmap-to-tdcs-success/
It, via links, will answer all of your questions and provide great background.
Good luck to you.
Brent
Brent, can you point me to the studies about placement for Area 25?
Heidi
I don’t have any at hand, but Area 25 has been covered on local TV news (Atlanta) related to work at Emory University.
Brent
I’m not sure where you’re getting your information, but good topic.
I needs to spend some time learning more or understanding more.
Thanks for great information I was looking for this info for my mission.
I would like to treat my 9 year old that has considerable trouble concentrating to the point that he is a 2 grade levels behind in reading. We have spent a lot of time and money on weekly tutoring and workshops for him. Do you believe tCDS could help him? And if so, does the fact that he is left handed change the placement of the electrodes?
It’s possible that tDCS could help – and yes, “handedness” can influence the effectiveness of a particular montage.
That said, part of the DIY safety standard is that we don’t experiment on children. You really should get an MD in the loop. See http://www.transcranialbrainstimulation.com for a doc in Atlanta that has a large tDCS practice.
Best of luck.
Brent