Gizmodo Australia » depression

NeuroStar TMS Depression Therapy System Gets FDA Approval

Sean Fallon — Fri, 13 Nov 2009 06:40:00 +0000

Last year, Neuronetics’ NeuroStar TMS (Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation) Therapy system became the first device of its kind to be cleared by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for treating depression. Although, the similarity to a dentist chair was probably not a great idea.

Nonetheless, trials on 164 patients with unipolar, non-psychotic major depressive disorder using the device proved that treatment with short magnetic-field pulses to the left prefrontal cortex can be a viable alternative to medication. After 30- to 40-minute daily sessions, half of the patients in the trial experienced significant improvement, while a third reported complete resolution. Plus, the only statistically significant side effect was mild discomfort in the treatment area. Currently, patients can receive NeuroStar treatments in a psychiatrist’s office while remaining completely awake and alert.

Given all of the uncertainty and danger surrounding many psychiatric drugs, NeuroStar seems like it’s worth a shot for people suffering from serious bouts of depression. It could also be a sign of things to come. Perhaps technology like this will one day be implanted directly into our brains — making us feel awesome all the time. [NeuroStar and Medical News Today via PopSci]

The Most Important Appliance In a Depression

Matt Buchanan — Tue, 28 Oct 2008 12:40:00 +0000

I’m not surprised that in the middle of a deep recession, while people have basically stopped buying appliances, standalone freezers have an exceptional growth of 13 percent. One of my grandmas, who lives alone, has the most massive freezer I have ever seen in a home. It is bursting with food that will likely never be eaten, unless a zombie apocalypse strikes and the whole family boards itself up in her house, where we would have six months before we’d have to start eating each other.

I’ve been told that’s pretty typical of people who lived through The Great Depression or the War in Europe (she was on the wrong side in the latter). I think it’s kinda the same instinct, but like on a smaller scale. Or you know, there’s just a delicious renaissance in gourmet TV dinners. [Consumer Reports via Consumerist, Image: Getty]

National Debt Clock To Get Most Depressing Upgrade Ever

John Mahoney — Mon, 13 Oct 2008 12:40:00 +0000

It was a bad sign when the National Debt Clock on Sixth Avenue in NYC ran out of space this past weekend, calling for the screen previously used for the dollar sign to be used for the 1 in 10 trillion. Now, the real estate mogul Seymour Durst who put up the sign back in 1989 has announced that the current clock will be replaced next year with one that can accommodate figures in the quadrillions–that’s 15 zeroes. Hopefully that’ll buy at least two or three more years of worry-free service. Time to have a look at our next great depression gadget guide? [CNN, Photo: Jesper Rautell Balle]

Yep, We’re Screwed: National Debt Clock Runs Out of Numbers

Matt Buchanan — Tue, 07 Oct 2008 21:40:00 +0000

It’s official. We’re hosed. The National Debt Clock near Times Square has just run out of spaces to add more zeroes to its running count of our national debt, thanks to the one-two punch of the $US700 million Wall Street bailout and the $US100 million used to prop up Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac before that. If you haven’t already read our guide to gadgets to get you through the Next Great Depression, how to make your current gadgets weather the storm or abandoned all hope, now’s a good time to start. [WKYC]

A Pocket Birthday is the Saddest Party Ever

Sean Fallon — Wed, 09 Jul 2008 20:40:00 +0000

Hey, it’s your birthday! To celebrate this momentous occasion I got the pocket birthday kit complete with four candles, matches and a base. Why are you crying? What do you mean you don’t have any friends? I’m here with the pocket birthday dude! This is supposed to be a happy time. Available for about US$6 (which is ridiculous). [Design3000 via 7Gadgets]