Cranial Electrotherapy Stimulation for the Treatment of Depression

Abstract

More prevalent in women than men, clinical depression affects approximately 15 million American adults in a given year. Psychopharmaceutical therapy accompanied by psychotherapy and wellness interventions (e.g., nutrition, exercise, counseling) is effective in 80% of diagnosed cases. A lesser known adjunctive therapy is that of cranial electrotherapy stimulation (CES). The major hypothesis for the use of CES in depression is that it may reset the brain to pre-stress homeostasis levels. It is conjectured that the pulsed electrical currents emitted by cranial electrical stimulators affect changes in the limbic system, the reticular activating system, and/or the hypothalamus that result in neurotransmitter secretion and downstream hormone production. While evidence is good for applied research, basic research about the mechanisms of action for CES remains in its infancy. A review of the literature provides an overview of current research findings and implications for clinical mental health practice.

Vagus Nerve Stimulation (VNS) and Other Augmentation Strategies for Therapy-Resistant Depression (TRD): Review of the Evidence and Clinical Advice for Use

“…In pulsed CES, low-amplitude electric currents (<1 mA) are broadly applied to the brain via scalp electrodes. CES has been approved for the treatment of anxiety, depression, and insomnia by the FDA (Gilula and Barach, 2004 ; Gunther and Phillips, 2010 ; Kavirajan et al, 2014 ). CES may affect the reticular activating system, the limbic system, and the hypothalamus (Kirsch and Nichols, 2013 ).…”

Putting theory into preliminary practice: Neuroinflammatory models of postpartum depression

“…They are indicated for the treatment of anxiety, depression and insomnia. A low-intensity alternating current is transmitted across the skull for 20 minutes once or twice daily to promote alpha-wave activity and to modulate neurotransmitters, endorphins and cortisol 33 . The ive meta-analyses include 67 human studies (n = 2,910) and demonstrate the ef icacy of devices without report of adverse events 34 .…”

Psychomagnetobiology

“…There are currently many research studies into CES in humans (Gunther & Phillips, 2010) and so far, 29 experimental animal studies have shown mostly positive results, with several using double-blind and placebo studies. No lasting adverse effects have been reported (Fariña, 2010).…”