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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 5 of 5. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by tonyz on March 3, 2010, at 12:23:12
Has anyone tried this device. If you go to the manufacturer's website there is a lot of evidence that suggests that it is as effective as antidepressants. There are a number of studies that can be reviewed. In the US it requires a health care professional to fill out the form so you can order and it is not cheap at $500.
Here is the website
http://www.alpha-stim.com/
The claim is that it helps with depression anxiety and insomnia.
Posted by nolvas on March 3, 2010, at 13:24:46
In reply to Alpha Stim Cranial Electrotherapy Stimulator, posted by tonyz on March 3, 2010, at 12:23:12
I've seen this item, my sister even purchased one. I believe she sent it back unused though. The problem with studies is that they seem scientific, but most people don't have the knowledge to decipher them, it takes time to learn how to interpret studies. I admit I am still learning. With regard to studies you have to ask some basic questions such as > Was the study carried out on a human participant or animal? Was the study double blind placebo controlled? How many participants were included in the study and is this statistically significant. Were the studies published in respected journals? Do the studies relate directly to the technology that the alpha stim device is using? Were any of the studies conducted using an Alpha Stim?
As far as I can deduce none of the studies published on Alpha Stim's site show conclusive proof that it has any effect on depression or anxiety, the amount of participants is generally small. I would be very wary of shelling out big money for this device which I believe doesn't show any statistically significant proof that it works.
Meta analyses produced is inconclusive. "Noninvasive stimulation of the brain with low-intensity direct and alternating currents have both been associated with significant clinical effects, but results from
various groups are often mixed, and many studies are limited by small sample sizes and experimental design."As they say "Buyer Beware"
Posted by tonyz on March 3, 2010, at 14:12:15
In reply to Re: Alpha Stim Cranial Electrotherapy Stimulator, posted by nolvas on March 3, 2010, at 13:24:46
Well they offer a 30 day trial with a 10-15% restocking fee on return. $50 to rent the device for a month to see if it works seems reasonable. I did not analyze the studies that closely, just looked at some of the conclusions yet I am intrigued. It is possible that this could be a legitimate device. I was wondering if anyone out there actually used one and had positive effects from it.
So why didn't your sister give it a try before sending it back ?
I borrowed someone's and have used it for 2 sessions each a 1 hour duration. At this point I can't honestly comment one way or the other. Too many other variables, changing medications, sleep patterns disturbed etc.
Posted by nolvas on March 8, 2010, at 6:45:23
In reply to Re: Alpha Stim Cranial Electrotherapy Stimulator, posted by tonyz on March 3, 2010, at 14:12:15
My sister has OCD she sent back the device due to OCR related thoughts about the device.
You might like to visit this thread which has some positive views and experiences regarding the Alpha Stim >
http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/alter/20051025/msgs/577828.html
Posted by tonyz on April 18, 2010, at 11:04:59
In reply to Alpha Stim Cranial Electrotherapy Stimulator, posted by tonyz on March 3, 2010, at 12:23:12
I bought an Alpha-Stim device. I have no affiliation with the company of any kind. When I was hospitalized as an outpatient recently and had severe insomnia a patient lent me her device to try for a few days.
I bought the device in desperation because I am trying everything to cope with what has turned into a very severe depression. Current meds are 600 lithium, 125 Nortriptyline, 75mg Seroquel on a taper, 30mg restoril and 1mg clonazepam.
Since I received my Alpha-Stim I have used it for four days for an hour each day. I haven't noticed any change or benefit. I think there is some confusion as to the cost in some of the other postings - it is $500 from the manufacturer with a 30 trial - you pay shipping charges and $50 if you send it back. There is a slightly larger device for pain management that is in the neighborhood of $800-$900.
Some of my meds will likely be changing so if I get better it will be impossible to tell if it is the meds, the alpha-stim or combination, but I will keep you posted.
I wouldn't say that the device is cheaply made, but it does seem expensive when looking at it. Presumably you are paying for the R&D that went into its development. Since I bought one I am no doubt a bit biased, but in 30 days if no benefit then it gets shipped back.
This is the end of the thread.
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