Peripheral Somatosensory Stimulation in the Treatment of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder. A Clinical Trial

Abstract

Background
 Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a complex condition that represents a significant burden in terms of individual disability and societal costs. Despite decades of research investigating treatment options, PTSD remains a major cause of quality-of-life impairment. We hypothesized that patients with PTSD might benefit from peripheral somatosensory stimulation (PSS) therapy.
 
 Methods
 Six adult patients with clinically diagnosed PTSD were enrolled to undergo daily PSS therapy over a 4-week period. Patients completed two surveys evaluating satisfaction with treatment and overall well-being (Survey 1) and severity of PTSD symptoms (Survey 2). Survey 1 was completed weekly during the course of the study. Survey 2 was based on the 9-question National Stressful Events Survey PTSD Short Scale (NSESSS) and was completed as a baseline prior to initiation of therapy and then at the conclusion of the trial. All data were analyzed by an independent statistician. 
 
 
 Results
 Six male patients were enrolled in the study; all completed the trial. All patients demonstrated a decrease in symptoms within one week of initiation of therapy. This benefit was sustained and appeared to further improve over the course of the trial. For Survey 1, the overall median scores demonstrated a significant time-dependent improvement across measurement times (p < 0.001). For Survey 2, patients had statistically significant improvements from baseline regarding feelings of being emotionally upset and being overly alert. Results from a cumulative link mixed model demonstrated that treatment yielded a 38.2-fold higher likelihood of transitioning from a higher PTSD score at baseline to a lower (improved) score at week 4. No adverse events were described by the patients.
 
 Conclusions
 PSS stimulation appeared to improve symptoms in all six patients with PTSD symptoms in this trial. Patients had unanimous and clinically meaningful improvement in overall PTSD symptoms with treatment. By week 4, all patients responded that they enjoyed the treatment and would like to keep their device. We suggest that further investigation into the potential usefulness of PSS therapy in patients with PTSD is warranted.

The Potential Role of Peripheral Somatosensory Stimulation in the Treatment of Mental Health Symptoms following Traumatic Brain Injury

“…Our previous work demonstrated a statistically significant improvement in symptoms of PTSD, anxiety, and depression with the use of PSS. [20,22] The scientific bases for such improvement may be related to the role played by sensory processing in anxiety, depression, and PTSD. PTSD has been associated with a variety of physiological alterations within the brain, and increasing evidence suggests that impaired sensory processing may play a critical role in the development and pathophysiology of this disorder.…”