Method of treating mood disorders and/or anxiety disorders by brain stimulation

Patent Number: 7,313,442

While studies have already demonstrated the ability of adult stem cells and embryonic stem cells to differentiate into neurons, the possibility of modulating new neurons to integrate into existing neurons, as well as enhance activity, is the philosophical "next stem".

The current patent covers the use of a pulse generating electrode that is implanted in the inferior thalamic peduncle or the reticular thalamic nucleus for the treatment of mood disorders. Interestingly the patent covers the use of this procedure for modulation of neuronal activity. The patent also covers ways of using electrical pulses together with exogenously administered pharmaceuticals. The patent seems pretty broad since the claims are not restricted by specific pulse frequencies. It will be interesting to see how this technology may be used in the stimulation of exogenously administered stem cells, as well as endogenous stem cells.

View this patent on the USPTO website.