BRITE: Technological Help For Depression Treatment

A national study called BRITE (Biomarkers for Rapid Identification of Treatment Efficacy in Major Depression) is currently demonstrating the usefulness of a new technology that shortens the time that psychiatrists and patients with major depression need to find a successful treatment.

The new technology, from Aspect Medical Systems, Inc., uses brain monitoring to establish the effectiveness of medications. It can save months of frustrating and emotionally debilitating attempts to find the right medication or combination of medications.

Of course, the technology could probably also be used to monitor the effectivesness of CAM treatments for depression such as light therapy or St John's Wort. But for now, it's being used to evaluate responses to FDA-approved medications (Lexapro, Wellbutrin XL or a combination).

Read more about the BRITE studies.