The words “electro” and “therapy” often bring to mind cruel psychiatric treatments that seem more fitting in haunted asylums than in hospitals. Cranial electrotherapy stimulation (CES) is nothing like that. This fairly new technology involves administering very low electrical volts on the head to relieve depression, anxiety, and the symptoms of ADHD. Instead of going to a mental hospital to receive the treatment, CES can be done at home using a small handheld device. CES is approved by the Food and Drug Administration in the United States as a medical device, and recent studies show that it can improve attention spans and behavior among kids with ADHD. But is it really safe? Are there any side effects to CES?
A brief history of CES
CES was first developed by the Soviet Union in 1949 as a treatment for insomnia – hence the original name “electrosleep.” Soon, its developers discovered that the device could be used to treat depression and anxiety. In the early 1960s, physicians in the United States and Canada began using CES for a wide range of psychiatric conditions and continue to do so to this day. However, CES is not considered a mainstream treatment because not all doctors in general medical practice are aware of this technology and its benefits. To date, there are 160 published studies on the safety and efficacy of CES in treating psychological disorders, specifically depression, insomnia, and now ADHD. A study from Harvard’s School of Public Health showed that these low electrical voltages can boost neurotransmitter activity, particularly the production of dopamine and serotonin.
How it works
CES treatments are administered by a small, battery-powered device that resembles transcutaneous electric nerve stimulations – devices often used in physical therapy for pain relief. Electrodes attached to thin wires are then clipped to the earlobe. The CES device sends very low pulses of electricity (less than 1.0 milliampere). The frequency of the pulses can be adjusted depending on the effect desired. During the treatment itself, the child should feel nothing more than a faint tingling sensation. After the treatment, most patients enter the “alpha state” – a feeling of relaxed alertness. Researchers notet hat the results of CES tend to be long-lasting and cumulative; succeeding treatments are said to cause less anxiety, improved focus, and long attention spans. Children who respond positively are also known to sleep better and experience a heightened sense of well-being.
Side effects
There have been no reports of any serious side effects of CES to date. Unlike pharmaceutical drugs for ADHD, it doesn’t cause any lasting damage and it does not interact with any other medications your child will be taking. However, the device should only be handled by an adult or a doctor, and should be used with caution.
Getting started
There are two ways your child can avail of CES. The first is to find a doctor or a medical center trained to administer the procedure. You can also purchase your own cranial electrotherapy stimulators through two companies – Alpha-Stim, Fisher Wallace Laboratories, and their licensed distributors. Although the benefits and safety of CES have been extensively tested on children, consult your child’s doctor before trying this therapy at home.
Photo taken from Biofeedback Center of Florida