Cranial electrotherapy stimulation (CES) in the treatment of anxiety and other stress-related disorders: A review of controlled clinical trials

Journal/Book: Stress Medicine. 1997; 13: Baffins Lane, Chichester, W Sussex, England PO19 1UD. John Wiley & Sons Ltd. 31-42.

Abstract: This CES review covers published and to be published clinical trials in the English language and reported to be controlled in some fashion and completed from January 1963 to January 1996, Cranial electrotherapy stimulation (CES) is defined as the application of low-level pulsed electrical current through skin surface electrodes on the head for the treatment of anxiety and other stress-related disorders. A total of 34 controlled clinical trials concerning the efficacy of CES in the treatment of anxiety and other stress-related disorders were evaluated. Overall the results suggest that CES may be capable of producing significant (p < 0.05) benefit in the short-term symptomatic relief of anxiety and other stress-related disorders. CES may be effective alone and as an adjunct to other conservative measures of treatment. The primary mechanism of action of CES appears to be a direct effect on the brain followed by secondary responses. While adverse effects were reported to occur in less than 3 per cent of patients, it is believed they are substantially underreported. The short- and long-term efficacy, adverse effects, safety and mechanism of action of CES remain to be established in rigorous, well-controlled clinical trials. Results reported in this review suggest that CES warrants further study.

Note: Article DeFelice EA, POB 9160, Albany,NY 12209 USA

Keyword(s): electric stimulation therapy; brain; controlled clinical trials; anxiety; stress (psychological); safety; DOUBLE-BLIND; ELECTROSTIMULATION; ELECTROSLEEP; INSOMNIA; HEADACHE; THERAPY

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