CES Treatment for Depression

CES, or cranial electrotherapy stimulation, is a treatment approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for depression, anxiety and insomnia. It can be used alone or in conjunction with antidepressant medications.

History

• The first documented case of electrotherapy was in the first century when a doctor used an eel to treat gout. Modern CES has been used in Europe and Latin America for more than 40 years. CES use in the U.S. is less common.

Function

• The method in which CES achieves results isn't fully understood. CES stimulates the limbic region of the brain, which affects emotion. It is also thought to increase serotonin and acetylcholine levels, which decreases anxiety and depression.

Process

• CES is performed by attaching electrodes behind the ears or clips to the ear lobes and is used until depression symptoms abate. CES sessions last 20 to 45 minutes and are performed daily. Sometimes for the first month treatments are twice daily. Treatment may be used again if depression reoccurs.

Side Effects

• Very few side effects have been reported with CES. Dizziness and vertigo during treatment sometimes occur, but reducing the current used for treatment eliminates this.

Considerations

• Compared to other countries, CES isn't utilized as often in the U.S. If traditional medications and therapy don't achieve results CES might be an effective alternative or complementary therapy.