The experience of using Alpha-Stim AID cranial electrotherapy stimulation (CES) for symptoms of anxiety

Abstract

Background: Alpha-Stim AID is a self-administered, cranial electrotherapy stimulation (CES) device with evidence of effectiveness in treating symptoms of anxiety. In this study, Alpha-Stim AID was offered through a United Kingdom (UK) primary care social prescription service to patients with symptoms of anxiety. This study explored the experience and impact of using Alpha-Stim AID cranial electrotherapy stimulation (CES) through in-depth interviews. Methods: Out of a sample of 57 using Alpha-Stim AID, fifteen participants consented to be interviewed. The age range of the participants was 26–65 years (M = 46.6); 10 (67%) were female and 5 (33%) male. Data were analysed using thematic analysis. Results: There was support for the acceptability and useability of Alpha-Stim AID. Most participants described a positive impact in their lives and would recommend it to others. Themes that emerged offered insights into how people used the Alpha-Stim and their experiences of the effects. Conclusions: It is important to identify anxiety symptoms and offer patients choice of treatment options. The results support the use of Alpha-Stim AID as a treatment option for people with symptoms of anxiety. Access to Alpha-Stim AID should not be restricted by being able to afford to buy it. An appropriately designed randomised control trial (RCT) is required.

A Qualitative Study Exploring the Experience and Value of the Cranial Electrical Stimulation (CES) Device Alpha-Stim AID for a Social Prescribing Service Patients with Symptoms of Anxiety

“…The participants described reductions in their anxiety, improvements in mood and cognitive functioning, and increases in feelings of calmness and relaxation-some expressing it was akin to feelings experienced when meditating. This supports evidence from qualitative Alpha-Stim AID research (Griffiths et al, 2023) and quantitative research, which found Alpha-Stim AID significantly reduces anxiety symptoms (Barclay & Barclay, 2014;Griffiths et al, 2021;Griffiths et al, 2023;Morriss et al, 2019;Royal et al, 2022;Shekelle et al, 2018). Participants in this study linked benefits gained to the process of using Alpha-Stim AID, that this created a specified time for relaxation each day, which aligns with conclusions of other Alpha-Stim AID research (Morriss et al, 2023).…”

“…Participants found engagement with the Alpha-Stim AID was enabled through the useability of the device, in that it was accessible, easy to use, generally reliable, could be embedded into their daily routine, and did not have any adverse side effects preventing use; these factors promoted treatment compliance. The findings add to and align with evidence of useability, feasibility, ease of use, and lack of side effects found in other studies (Barclay & Barclay, 2014;Griffiths et al, 2021;Griffiths et al, 2023;Morriss et al, 2019;Royal et al, 2022;Shekelle et al, 2018). Medication side-effects can cause treatment failure (Sundbom & Bingefors, 2013); and the lack of Alpha-Stim AID side effects meant that some participants perceived the Alpha-Stim AID as a welcomed and preferred alternative to medication.…”

“…Participants reported improvements in sleep quality: less waking during nighttime sleep, easier sleep initiation, and better sleep duration. This finding is aligned to studies that have quantitatively measured CES and its impact on sleep (Kirsch & Gilula, 2007;Kirsch et al, 2019;Wagenseil et al, 2018), and qualitatively evaluated Alpha-Stim AID (Griffiths et al, 2023).…”

“…A qualitative approach was taken, employing semi-structured interviews. Interview questions were informed by previous CES qualitative research (Griffiths et al, 2023;Patel et al, 2023;Grycuk et al, 2021). Questions were developed to explore: "compliance with instructions provided"; "usage"; "was it useful and why?…”

“…Providing Alpha-Stim AID through a nurse-led primary care clinic to university students with a diagnosis of anxiety or depression, delivered improvements in anxiety and depression symptoms (Royal et al, 2022). A qualitative study of the experience of Alpha-Stim has found support for the acceptability, useability, and positive impact of Alpha-Stim AID (Griffiths et al, 2023). These studies indicate that Alpha-Stim AID is safe, well-tolerated, and acceptable to the majority of patients, and that the majority of patients will conform to the treatment protocol.…”