Efficacy of Cranial Electrotherapy Stimulation for Anxiety, PTSD, Insomnia and Depression: Military Service Members and Veterans Self Reports

Cranial electrotherapy stimulation (CES) is being prescribed for Service Members and veterans for the treatment of anxiety, PTSD, insomnia and depression. The purpose of this study was to examine Service Members’ and veterans’ perceptions of the effectiveness and safety of CES treatment. Service Members and Veterans (N=1,514) who had obtained a CES device through the Department of Defense or Veterans Affairs Medical Center from 2006-2011 were invited to participate in the web based survey via email. One hundred fifty-two participants returned questionnaires. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics. Participants reported clinical improvement of ≥ 25%) from using CES for anxiety (66.7%), PTSD (62.5%), insomnia (65.3%) and depression (53.9%). The majority of these participants reported ≥ 50% clinical improvement (See Figure 5). Respondents also perceived CES to be safe (99.0%). Those individuals who were not taking any prescription medication rated CES more effective than the combined CES and prescription medication group. CES provides Service Members and veterans with a safe, non-invasive, non-drug, easy to use treatment for anxiety, PTSD, insomnia and depression that can be used in the clinical setting or self-directed at home.