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Easter Seals and the Brain Plasticity Institute: Working Together
Major Depressive Disorder
The Issue:
Taking on Major Depressive Disorder The Brain Plasticity Institute proposes developing and testing a suite of computerized cognitive exercises to address major depressive disorder (MDD), one of the most prevalent and debilitating conditions in the world. Earlier studies using other similar exercises from the same team have been shown to:
These new exercises will incorporate some elements of earlier, proven models with newer stimuli derived from recent studies to create a new suite designed to:
The Brain Plasticity Institute The BPI goal is to revolutionize the treatment of major depressive disorder. Our novel treatment strategy is designed to do something that standard medical approaches cannot and do not do: renormalize the impaired brain of a person with major depressive disorder with a strategy that should result in more organic, more complete and more enduring recovery and reduced dependence on medication. Using a modern technological approach that employs computer-based activity and telemedicine, individuals will “self-administer” the program from the comfort and safety of their own homes. If desired, the clinicians treating the individual can receive updates on the individual’s progress and completion of the program, and provide support all along the path to recovery through a social networking link within the program. This innovative approach puts treatment for major depression within reach for many who previously could not access it. The five core strategies BPI will apply here have all been demonstrated to be effective both for recovering the targeted aspect of behavior AND for overcoming the neurological distortions that account for them. Given this very extensive preliminary work, BPI can construct models of what should be highly effective tools for treating depression relatively rapidly, and at low cost. A network of treatment centers has been organized and, with Easter Seals extensive clinical network, will help BPI quickly define program effectiveness. Once constructed and validated, we can deliver this new form of treatment anywhere in the world using the Internet cloud, at very low cost. We have the potential of transforming millions of lives and families very much for the better, because most individuals who live with major depressive disorder NEVER receive the help they need to live happier and more productive lives. Help us help scientists and researchers at the Brain Plasticity Institute meet this great human challenge. |
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