The experience of using Alpha-Stim AID cranial electrotherapy stimulation (CES) for symptoms of anxiety
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https://f1000research.com/articles/12-68Abstract
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.Citation
Griffiths C, Walker K and Jiang H (2023) The experience of using Alpha-Stim AID cranial electrotherapy stimulation (CES) for symptoms of anxiety [version 1; peer review: awaiting peer review]. F1000Research, 12:68Type
ArticleNote
As accepted for publication© 2023 Griffiths C et al. This is an open access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.