Question:
If I have depression and anxiety not adequately controlled by medications, does Cranial Electrotherapy Stimulation (CES) help with symptoms of depression and anxiety more than a placebo?
Answer:
Yes
MedHead Confidence Score: 2
Amount Saved: $50 medical research cost
MedHead Message:
I have been pursuing solutions for clinical depression for a long time. While antidepressants such as Prozac, Zoloft, or Effexor have been shown to improve outcomes in depression, there remains a very large, very glaring hole for a whole lot of people who don’t respond. Cranial Electrotherapy Stimulation has been around for many years and works by providing small electrical impulses that increase production of the feel good chemicals in the brain. Be aware: There is not a lot of robust clinical research on this, but from what I can find, the outcomes are positive. It’s definitely worth a try. Fisher Wallace makes a system for around $500 on sale.
References:
1. Bystritsky A, et. al. A pilot study of cranial electrotherapy stimulation for generalized anxiety disorder. J Clin Psychiatry. 2008 Mar;69(3):412-7. 2. SriramYennurajalingam, et. al. Cranial Electrotherapy Stimulation for the Management of Depression, Anxiety, Sleep Disturbance, and Pain in Patients With Advanced Cancer: A Preliminary Study. Journal of Pain and Symptom Management. Volume 55, Issue 2, February 2018, Pages 198-206. 3. Barclay TH, et. al. A clinical trial of cranial electrotherapy stimulation for anxiety and comorbid depression. J Affect Disord. 2014 Aug;164:171-7. doi: 10.1016/j.jad.2014.04.029. Epub 2014 Apr 21.
