Effects of Cranial Electric Stimulation on Brain Wave Activity: A Pilot Study

This pilot study will collect data from properly consented and subsequently enrolled subjects in the Psychiatric Continuity Service (PCS). All PCS programs provide both group and individual therapy designed to address various chronic mental health disorders such as major depressive disorder, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Group therapy and education focus on how chronic mental health disorders develop, the recovery process and psychosocial stressors that may contribute to both improvement in functioning and declines. Every patient is different with regard to how his or her program is tailored, but everyone receives weekly individual counseling from behavioral health providers (psychiatrists, psychologists and clinical social workers). PCS works in tandem with other treatment providers, case managers and chains of command. PCS is also equipped to transfer patients in need to higher levels of care in cases of emergency.

All prospective subjects will be active duty service members who are enrolled in PCS. Subjects will be recruited by the Associate Investigator (AI) or Principal Investigator (PI). The primary outcome measure is the exploration of changes in specific brain wave activity in response to a Cranial Electrotherapy Stimulation (CES) intervention.

Subjects who agree to participate in the study will complete a consent and Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) form and baseline questionnaires. In addition, since the fetal effects of the CES device is not known;, female subjects will have to present a negative pregnancy test within one week of the research intervention. Those female subjects to which pregnancy is unlikely (i.e. hysterectomy), will be excluded from a pregnancy test if this information can be verified medically. will self-report regarding as it applies menstrual cycle length and birth control method used within the last two weeks.

The intervention will take place during clinic hours. This will be a one-time intervention that will last approximately 1 to 1 ½ hours. The AI will prepare the CES device, briefly explain the function, and place the CES ear clips on the subject. The CES device will not be turned on at this point. This is similar to clinic practice, however in clinical practice any PCS staff trained in the use of the CES device may prepare and administer the CES device to the patient.

Next the AI will prepare the MindSet EEG device, ensure that it is functioning properly, and obtain signal acquisition. The AI will then explain the brainwave headset (MindSet) to the subject and properly place the headset on their head. Next a series of computer led activities to reduce extraneous artifacts (such as eye blink and muscle movement) will be completed by the subject. Following this, a baseline test measuring brainwave frequencies will be completed by the subject. This will last 30 seconds. Once this is completed, the CES device can be turned on and activated for 20 minutes. The CES micro amperage will be set by the subject based on therapeutic dose and locked in place on the CES device. Immediately following the completion of the 20 minute CES session, an EEG brainwave measure will be completed. Additional brainwave measure will be taken 5 minutes and 10 minutes post the CES session. Each of these brainwave measures will last 30 seconds.