Fibromyalgia has been linked with other conditions referred to as functional somatic syndromes (FSS). FSS are characterized more by symptoms (such as pain, fatigue, and sleep disturbance), suffering, and disability rather than by disease-specific, demonstrable abnormalities of structure or function.1 FSS include irritable bowel syndrome, chronic fatigue syndrome, tension headache,  temporomandibular joint dysfunction, and fibromyalgia among others.2 These conditions are also commonly associated with anxiety, depression, and trauma-related disorders.3 There is an ongoing debate as to whether FSS’s should be defined as separate entities or as one syndrome.3 A substantial overlap exists between the individual conditions, patients with one condition frequently meet criteria for another, and patients with FSS’s share non-symptom characteristics (such as sex, emotional disorders, trauma histories, and difficulties in patient-provider relationships).2 Thus, a more dimensional classification of FSS may be more productive than the assessment of individualized conditions which may improve future treatment options. Medical management of FSS’s historically rested on six steps:1. ruling out the presence of diagnosable medical disease2. searching for psychiatric disorders3. building a collaborative alliance between the patient and provider4. making restoration of function the goal of treatment5. providing limited reassurance6. prescribing cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) for patients who have not responded to the aforementioned steps.1Furthermore, a comprehensive, bio-psycho-social approach to the management of FSS may include the use of complementary modalities, such as electrical stimulation treatments, to augment conventional treatments.4 Conventional medical therapy is fairly ineffective for these cases, and tend to result in frustrated providers and dissatisfied patients. Providers involved in the treatment of fibromyalgia are always looking to include modalities in their clinic armamentarium that have demonstrated to be effective, safe, and non-invasive.The use of electrical stimulation for the relief of physical and emotional distress is not a new phenomenon. In fact, there are early written accounts of a physician using electric eels to treat the Roman Emperor Claudius’ headache.5 Today, electrical stimulation treatments are relatively safe, easy to use, and the newer technologies, such as micro-current electrical therapy (MET) and cranial electrotherapy stimulation (CES), have research evidence to support their efficacy in the treatment of fibromyalgia.6,7,8 CES has been around for over 60 years, and was originally known as “electro-sleep” in Europe. CES devices deliver modified square-wave biphasic stimulation at 0.5Hz and 100uA through the electrodes placed on the patient’s ear lobes.  An average CES session lasts between 20 to 60 minutes. Several rigorous double-blinded clinical trials have been conducted with CES for fibromyalgia. Lichtbroun and colleagues (2001) found that CES yielded about a 28% reduction in tender point scores and 27% reduction in self-reported overall pain level, which is comparable to findings in medication studies.6 Cork and colleagues (2003) found that  CES had significant effects on pain intensity and mood, but not on function.7  Taylor and colleagues (2013) found that CES had a greater decrease in average pain and a decrease in activity in the pain processing regions of the brain.8Research has also indicated that the use of MET can complement or improve results of the CES. MET is provided directly to the body of the patient suffering from pain either through hand-held probe electrodes or self-adhesive electrodes. The probes of the MET device are repositioned every 10 seconds following a beep from the device, and are placed through the area of the pain complaint.  Kulkarni (2001) investigated the use of CES and MET in combination in treating complaints of pain and found that patients received significant relief between 33-94%.9 Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) devices differ from CES or MET in that it applies electrical currents on the surface of peripheral nerve route sites on the extremities or other non-cranial areas.  It is the distinct waveform of the CES and MET that differentiates them from other devices. Through periodic, slow reversal of the polarization of the DC current, the CES and MET waveform is able to inject a spectrum of low frequencies into the neuronal tissue to match frequencies with different receptors, thus activating them in a way similar to medication management.The Alpha-Stim® devices are FDA approved for the treatment of pain (MET) and depression, anxiety, and insomnia (CES).  Thus, the FDA requires a prescription by a licensed mental health or health care professional to legally obtain and use these devices in the U.S. Furthermore, there has been some debate about whether use of these devices are within the scope of practice in mental health. Per consultations with U.S. licensing and ethics boards, there is nothing in the law or ethical code at this time about the use of these technologies.  More recently, there has been some debate as to why the FDA re-categorized CES devices as Class III, which requires extensive and expensive trials for market approval. These devices continue to be subjected to rigorous study and evaluation by the international medical community. There have been several mechanisms of action of electrical stimulation treatments that have been proposed in the research, including: Deactivating brain regions associated with hyperactivity consistent with various disorders (CES)Increasing alpha-wave activity and decreasing delta and beta-wave activity (CES)Increasing the concentration of neurochemicals (such as beta-endorphin, serotonin, and melatonin) and decreasing cortisol in the brain10 (CES)Increase in ATP which moves more amino acids into the area and increases protein synthesis at the site treated11 (MET).To date, there have not been any significant lasting harmful side effects or worsened pain as a result of treatment reported in the past research literature.12 Side effects (all less than 1%) reported from CES and MET include vertigo, headache, nausea, and skin irritation at the site of the electrodes. Vertigo and headache usually occur when the intensity of current is too high on CES for the individual. These symptoms will resolve when the current is decreased. Alternating sites for placement of electrodes will decrease irritation at the electrode site that may occur when using MET. There is also no evidence to suggest that the CES or MET is habit forming or may lead to addiction. Caution is advised during pregnancy and with patients with older pacemaker models circa 1998. It is also not recommended that patients operate complex machinery and/or automobiles during the treatment. The current review shows that CES and MET can stand together or alone as significant, complementary modalities for the treatment of fibromyalgia and other functional somatic syndromes.BiographyDavid Cosio, PhD, is the psychologist in the Pain Clinic and the CARF-accredited, interdisciplinary pain program at the Jesse Brown VA Medical Center, in Chicago. He received his PhD from Ohio University with a specialization in Health Psychology in 2008. He completed a behavioral medicine internship at the University of Massachusetts-Amherst Mental Health Services and a Primary Care/Specialty Clinic Post-doctoral Fellowship at the Edward Hines Jr. VA Hospital in 2009. Dr. Cosio has done several presentations in health psychology at the regional and national level. He also has published several articles on health psychology, specifically in the area of patient pain education. There is no conflict of interest to report at this time.References1. Barksy, A. & Borus, J. (1999). Functional somatic syndromes. Annals of Internal Medicine, 130, 910-921.2. Wessely, S., Nimnuan, C., & Sharpe, M. (1999). Functional somatic syndromes: One or many? The Lancet, 354, 936-939.3. Afari, N., Ahumada, S., Wright, L., et al. (2014). Psychological trauma and functional somatic syndromes: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Psychosomatic Medicine, 76, 2-11.4. US Department of the Army, Office of the Surgeon General. (2010) Pain Management Task Force Final Report. Available at:.  Accessed September 28, 2015.5. Edelstein, L. (1967). Ancient Medicine. Baltimore, MD: John Hopkins Press.6. Lichtbroun, A., Raicer, M., & Smith, R. (2001). The treatment of fibromyalgia with cranial electrotherapy stimulation. Journal of Clinical Rheumatology, 7, 72-78.7. Cork, R., Wood, P., Ming, N., et al. (2003). The effect of cranial electrotherapy stimulation (CES) on pain associated with fibromyalgia. The Internet Journal of Anesthesiology, 8.8. Taylor, A., Anderson, J, Riedel, S., et al. (2013). A randomized, controlled, double-blind pilot study of the effects of cranial electrical stimulation on activity in brain pain processing regions in individuals with fibromyalgia. Explore, 9, 32-40.9. Kulkarni, A. (2001). The use of microcurrent electrical therapy and cranial electrotherapy stimulation in pain control. Clinical Practice of Alternative Medicine, 2, 99-102.10. Kirsch, D. & Marksberry, J. (2015). The evolution of cranial electrotherapy stimulation for anxiety, insomnia, depression and pain and its potential for other indications. In: Rosch, P. (2015). Bioelectromagnetic and Subtle Energy Medicine (2nd ed). Boca Raton, FL: CRC Press.11. Mercola, J. & Kirsch, D. (1995). The basis for microcurrent electrical therapy in conventional medicine practice. Journal of Advanced Medicine , 8, 107-120.12. Young, R., Kroening, R., Fulton, W., et al. (1985). Electrical stimulation of the brain in treatment of chronic pain: Experience over 5 years. Journal of Neurosurgery, 62, 389-396.​

Here’s How to Cope with Depression When You Stop Working.No matter how fulfilling their career, most people look forward to the day they can retire. Without having to work, they can spend more time doing the things they enjoy, seeing the people they love, and passing their days as they please. It can be a shock to then realize that retirement isn’t always unconditionally happy. Some people dive enthusiastically into their retirement only to find that where they expected joy and ease, they are instead experiencing symptoms of depression. If that has happened to you, it’s important to know that you are not alone. These feelings aren’t “wrong” or even uncommon. Here are some of the reasons you may be experiencing depression after you retire: Lack of StructureWithout the structure of a typical workday, you may feel overwhelmed by the blank slate of the day ahead of you. It may be tempting to spend the whole day doing absolutely nothing or there may be an urge to fill every moment with something productive. Neither extreme is ideal, caution experts at Harvard Medical School: “Doing either too little or too much can lead to the same symptoms, such as anxiety, depression, appetite loss, memory impairment, and insomnia.” you don’t need to map out each and every day, but it may be helpful to have some basic elements in place. For example, you can establish a weekly tennis match with friends, or make a habit of going for a stroll after dinner. Maybe you decide that Wednesday mornings are the perfect time to call a relative, or that Sunday afternoons are great for sitting down with the newspaper and a coffee. Whatever it is, establishing some type of structure will give you something to look forward to, and a sense of accomplishment. Sense of SelfJust as your employment gave structure to your days, it also contributed to your sense of self. Even if you worked to live, rather than lived to work, your employment was likely a defining part of your life. Many people take great pride in their roles, proudly introducing themselves along with their titles. According to Nancy Schimelpfening, from the non-profit Depression Sanctuary, “The person’s sense of self is tied up very strongly in what he or she does for a living; and, with retirement, a sense of loss can occur, leaving a person struggling to understand who they are and what their value is.” Remember – your worth is not determined by your job. Take a moment to remember what invigorates you, and what your values are. You can still tap into that sense of self by volunteering or contributing to a cause that is meaningful to you. A job is not the only way to define who you are. Social LifeYet another factor that can contribute to depression in retirement is the change in your social life. When you were working, you likely had regular social interaction with co-workers, supervisors, clients, and/or vendors. And now, suddenly, that network is no longer a part of your day-to-day routine. You may not have been especially close to these people, and some co-workers may have been far from your favourite people. Even so, regular social interaction is essential to our mental health: “Dozens of studies have shown that people who have satisfying relationships with family, friends and their community are happier, have fewer health problems, and live longer,” according to Harvard Women’s Health Watch. The takeaway? Keep those social connections strong! Reach out to a friend or colleague whenever you think of them. The benefits of maintaining your social life are well worth the effort. Managing Depression in RetirementPerhaps you’ve taken all the right steps already – you’ve added structure to your days, logged some volunteering hours, and regularly connect with loved ones – but you’re still feeling depressed. What now? Are antidepressants the necessary next step to relief? You may be surprised to learn that there is a drug-free way to treat your depression. Alpha-Stim® is an FDA cleared medical device that is clinically proven by more than 100 clinical research studies to safely and effectively relieve depression in just minutes a day. Alpha-Stim uses a modality called cranial electrotherapy stimulation (CES), delivering a tiny current of electricity through electrodes that clip onto your earlobes. Treatments with Alpha-Stim are easy and painless and take just 20 minutes each day. The patented waveform restores balance to your brainwaves, making you feel better fast. Since Alpha-Stim is not a drug, it is safe to use in conjunction with other treatment modalities. There is no risk of addiction, withdrawal, or lasting side effects, making it an ideal treatment for aging adults. Better still, over time results with Alpha-Stim are cumulative. In other words, the more you use Alpha-Stim, the better you’ll feel, and the less you’ll need it! Retirement should be one of the most enjoyable times in your life. Don’t let depression rain on your parade! Learn why so many patients are raving about their success with Alpha-Stim. If you’re not amazed within 30 days, you can return it. Financing options are available. Don’t wait another day to feel your best – get started today BUY ALPHA-STIM HERE  ​

The latest edition of BBC One’s science documentary series  centers on offering a critical guide to health and wellbeing. In this episode, host Alex Scott and Clinical Psychologist Professor Tanya Byron took a look at the trending science behind optimizing mental health. Alex Scott and Clinical Psychologist Professor Tanya Byron took a look at the trending science behind optimizing mental health. Over the past year, researchers from  in collaboration with the BBC surveyed and studied the mental health of more than 350,000 people living in the UK following the coronavirus shelter-in-place restrictions. Their findings, relayed in this episode, offer a glimpse into the impact of the global pandemic on the mental wellbeing of the British public. Early findings indicate many people are feeling isolated and experiencing greater levels of stress and anxiety. One mental health issue covered in this episode is . With so many people suffering from stress and anxiety, it is no surprise that sleep problems have become more prevalent over the past year. To that end, Alex Scott decided to try Alpha-Stim® to see if it could help with her recent sleeplessness.Alpha-Stim is an FDA cleared cranial electrotherapy stimulation (CES) device available by prescription in the US, and over the counter outside of the US. Two electrodes clip onto your earlobes and deliver a tiny, painless current of electricity to your brain. Alpha-Stim’s patented waveform increases the  in your brain, restoring balance and bringing a sense of calm and wellbeing – not to mention longer better quality sleep. Treatments take just 20 minutes and are done in the comfort of your own home. To see whether Alpha-Stim could bring relief for her sleep issues, Alex visited Leslie Parkinson, a clinical psychologist who treats patients for a variety of issues, including insomnia. Dr. Parkinson first attached electrodes to Alex’s scalp using an EEG cap in order to measure her brainwaves pre-and post-treatment with Alpha-Stim. She sought to determine Alex’s baseline, followed by brain activity after a cup of coffee, before demonstrating the calming effect of an Alpha-Stim treatment. After just 15 minutes of Alex using the Alpha-Stim, Dr. Parkinson reported that the treatment “had quite a significant impact,” showing a drastic increase in alpha waves in Alex’s brain activity.After just 15 minutes of Alex using the Alpha-Stim, Dr. Parkinson reported that the treatment “had quite a significant impact,” showing a drastic increase in alpha waves in Alex’s brain activity. “I use it with all my insomnia patients,” Dr. Parkinson says. “They use it every night for 20 minutes before they go to sleep and sometimes it’s within a few days, but usually within two to four weeks they’re sleeping very well.” Dr. Parkinson’s comments fit well with what many patients have known for decades: Alpha-Stim works, and it works well. In one study, the number of subjects who reported poor quality of sleep dropped from 60% to 5% while using the device. And after only 5 Alpha-Stim treatments, military Service Members with insomnia reported an increase of 43 minutes of sleep. Surveys also show that patients feel better with Alpha-Stim® than with medications when it comes to treating insomnia.Alex was similarly impressed with the results of her Alpha-Stim® treatment. She points out that while the NHS needs to conduct more independent studies before issuing Alpha-Stim for patients with insomnia, , with great success. One person has already reached out to express their gratitude after watching this very episode. “I bought this after seeing it on a BBC programme. I suffer from Generalized Anxiety Disorder and severe insomnia. Two days after starting to use the Alpha-Stim I slept without taking any sleeping tablets and it has also really helped with my anxiety. I can’t recommend this enough. It’s really life changing.” – GA Pons Although Alpha-Stim is presented in this episode as a new technology, the truth is that it has been changing lives for decades. More than  have proven that it is safe and effective, and  never cease to pour in. So if you, like so many others right now, are seeking to optimize your mental health, know that you can trust in Alpha-Stim. You’ll be glad you did.​

Men’s Journal Magazine just published its list of the 11 best products for improving mood, treating anxiety, and reducing stress. We’re proud to announce that Alpha-Stim was featured as one of their top picks!​ Alpha-Stim AIDJosh Briley, Ph.D., clinical psychologist licensed in the state of Texas and science and education director for Electromedical Products International, Inc., has used this FDA-cleared cranial electrotherapy stimulation (CES) device both personally and with his patients with much success. “Within a few minutes of placing the ear clips on your earlobes and setting the current to a comfortable level, you feel very relaxed and calm, as if your anxiety and stress have just melted away,” Briley says. The product is backed by 100+ clinical , demonstrating its effectiveness in treating anxiety, insomnia, depression, and pain. “I’ve used Alpha-Stim with veterans who have suffered with anxiety and depression for decades, and with patients in the midst of a suicidal crisis or panic attack. In my 17 years as a practicing psychologist, I’ve never seen anything work more quickly, effectively, or safely than Alpha-Stim.”

It’s the start of a new school year, and that means a return to the demanding lifestyle of homework, studying, and sitting through long and intense exams. Coursework can be challenging enough on its own, to be sure – but for those who struggle with anxiety or insomnia, the long hours of studying and test-taking can seem daunting, if not downright impossible.Ashley Russell-Gray, a Veteran and a student, was prescribed an Alpha-Stim® to help with her insomnia. Not only did Alpha-Stim help her to get , but it proved to be a vital tool for managing her anxiety and stress while she navigates her PA program: I’ve found the Alpha-Stim very helpful. I use it every night to help me fall asleep, which really beats having to take sleeping medication all the time. I’ve been using it for sleep for almost a year and it has made a huge difference.A few months ago, I started using Alpha-Stim while I study and take exams for PA school. I can’t begin to tell you how much of a difference it makes when I have to sit still for a 1-3 hour exam. Prior to using Alpha-Stim, I would have to get up, stretch, and reset at least 3 times during an exam [due to anxiety]. I just finished 10 final exams over the last week (ranging from 1.5-2.5 hours) and I sat straight through all of them while using the device.Studying with Alpha-Stim is beneficial for decreasing [my] anxiety. Before Alpha-Stim, I would never have been able to achieve this level of sleep. It has been such an improvement to my overall quality of life. The success that Ashley describes is what makes us so proud of what we do here. For decades, Alpha-Stim has been  by safely and effectively treating , , and  – and allowing people to do the things that matter the most to them. Alpha-Stim is compact and easy to use in the comfort of your own home or while you study.Alpha-Stim is an FDA cleared medical device. It delivers a tiny and painless current of electricity to the brain through two earclip electrodes, restoring balance to your  and making you feel better fast. The patented waveform is like no other; treatments take just 20 minutes, yet relief is long lasting and often immediate.Alpha-Stim is compact, discreet, and easy to use in the comfort of your own home. Or, as Ashley discovered, you can wear it while performing a demanding or stressful task, such as studying or taking an exam, since it helps you to stay calm (please do not use Alpha-Stim while operating a motor vehicle.) The safety and effectiveness of Alpha-Stim is backed by decades of experience and more than . Since it is not a drug, there is no risk of addiction or lasting side effects. And unlike with medications, the benefits are cumulative over time: the more you use it, the better you’ll feel, and the less you’ll need it.​

Are you considering buying a  device? Have you looked into Alpha-Stim®, but then been bombarded with ads for less expensive brands?Before you go any further in your search for the best CES device to treat your , , and , you may want to pause for a moment – is a brain stimulation device really something you want to bargain-hunt for? Are those other brands, with their slashed prices and flashy ads, effective or safe?When you’re seeking to manage your mental health, choosing an ineffective treatment will not only waste your time and money, but will leave you feeling frustrated and defeated, wondering if anything will ever actually work for you. The truth is, only Alpha-Stim is backed by scores of studies that show consistent, positive results, even after drugs and other treatments have failed. Only Alpha-Stim has a unique, patented waveform, and is so durable that it is backed by a 5-year limited warranty. Only Alpha-Stim is included in the FSS Schedule for military and VA use.Alpha-Stim is the premium brand of CES, setting the industry standard with its patented waveform, and has been changing lives since the 1980s. Alpha-Stim is backed by more than . Its safety and effectiveness are trusted by the  and the , and Alpha-Stim is offered to our men and women in uniform at more than half of the nation’s VA hospitals. On top of that, a  in the UK found Alpha-Stim to be so clinically and cost effective that it has the “potential to revolutionize mental healthcare.” The effectiveness of Alpha-Stim is trusted by the MD Anderson Cancer CenterAnother important difference that sets Alpha-Stim apart from the other brands on the marker is the way it treats pain. Two handheld Smart Probes deliver relief directly to the site of your pain, using a modality called microcurrent electrical therapy (MET). Relief is long lasting and, in many cases, immediate. Alpha-Stim is so effective at treating pain, one veteran was even able to . An ever-growing collection of patient  attests to the life-changing results of Alpha-Stim as well.Since Alpha-Stim is not a drug, there is no risk of addiction, withdrawal, or lasting side effects. It is safe for use on people of all ages, from  to the , and can be used in conjunction with . Our  team, led by licensed psychiatrists and psychologists, is here to help you get the very most from your device. Alpha-Stim AID: the most effective and proven CES device availableOther brands may catch your attention with flashy advertisements or offers of deep discounts. But when it comes to your health, why accept anything less than the best? It’s true that you get what you pay for: if safe and lasting relief are what you are seeking, this is no time to accept a cheap knockoff.We’re so confident you’ll be impressed with Alpha-Stim, we urge you to  If you don’t love what it does for your mental and physical wellbeing, you can return it. are also available.When it comes to fast, safe, and effective treatment for anxiety, insomnia, depression, or pain, Alpha-Stim is in a league of its own. No other brand can compare – not even close.  and experience the Alpha-Stim difference. You’ll be glad you did.​

“Alpha-Stim Has Changed My Life” are the unsung heroes of our community. Paramedics, dispatchers, police officers, and firefighters are the first trained professionals to respond to an emergency. We seldom think of the risks they take every time they put on their uniform. Accidents, trauma, pain, loss, grief – possibly the worst day in our lives is the daily life of first responders. The cumulative toll on their mental health is enormous. If you are a first responder, you know how the stress of the job continues and accumulates over time. Even after the shift ends, you may find you’re struggling with stress, , , and getting a good nights’ .If you can relate all too well to the stress and trauma that comes from your work as a first responder, you are not alone – but there is a way to feel better. What follows is one first responder’s life-changing experience with Alpha-Stim®. About five months ago, a colleague introduced me to Dr. Cherek, [who] was seeking volunteers to determine if Alpha-Stim is beneficial to first responders struggling with trauma and other mental and behavioral health issues. Dr. Cherek’s professional services focus on active and former first responders and their family members who are struggling with the effects of personal and vicarious Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), anxiety, insomnia, pain management, and other stressors. For first responders, stress doesn’t quit at the end of a shift.As a former first responder, I continued having bouts with PTSD, negative thinking, and insomnia. After conducting an assessment, Dr. Cherek determined that I met the criteria for Alpha-Stim therapy.My first session with Dr. Cherek commenced in April 2020. Approximately two weeks into our sessions, I began experiencing a cessation in the restlessness, irritability, and negative thinking that I would intermittently experience.The benefit of including Alpha-Stim in our counseling sessions can be described in one word: Stupendous! At the beginning of week three, friends and professional colleagues began noticing an improvement in my disposition, evidenced by the unconscious whistling of a tune, singing, and initiating humorous exchanges.What was most appreciated was the dramatic decrease in melancholia and stress. Even episodes of insomnia began to decrease. I had also begun experiencing an increase in energy levels as well as a clearer mind. There was also a quelling of negative fixations and ruminations. Alpha-Stim helped me to manage intrusive thoughts.Alpha-Stim is a therapeutic intervention that I would recommend for not only first responders and their families but to any individuals struggling with trauma and other stressors. It’s my belief that this intervention would be highly efficacious in schools for youths and adolescents struggling with personal issues (suicidal ideations, negative thinking, low self-esteem, eating disorders, etc.)Alpha-Stim has changed my life!-Dr. J.D. Rogers Dr. Rogers’ experiences echo those of many other first responders. A study by  (2018) reported that one in three first responders have depression and PTSD. These brave heroes, who seldom ask for help, report contemplating suicide 10 times more frequently than other Americans, at a rate of 37%. Firefighters are more likely to die by suicide than by responding to a fire.The testimonial of Dr. Rogers is bolstered by the enthusiastic feedback from his prescribing physician, Dr. Corinne Cherek: As a grief and spiritual counselor, I work primarily with abuse, addiction, grief, loss, suicide, & trauma. I have witnessed a plethora of clients suffer immensely, many discouraged, and not wanting any more prescription medications. Alpha-Stim is compact and discrete – you can easily use it at home or work.When I was introduced to Alpha-Stim, the COVID 19 pandemic was affecting all of us. In 20 minutes [with Alpha-Stim], I felt as if I had meditated for several hours. I realized that I could use Alpha-Stim to cope with compassion fatigue and stress management.I shared my experience with a colleague who was a former first responder. He had just experienced the deaths of several loved ones and was struggling. He agreed to be a test subject for me. Witnessing his transformation before my eyes was nothing less than a miracle.I had referred him to a colleague who provides EMDR and Alpha-Stim in an effort to address PTSD. Between the two of us, he was receiving Alpha-Stim an average of 5-6 times per week. In a matter of weeks, he was whistling and making great progress.As I shared the test subject’s results, especially with my first responder clients, they were willing to have a session that included Alpha-Stim. I have several firefighters and police officers who have highly benefited from Alpha-Stim, most in just one session. It is my hope and dream to find a way so that each first responder has an Alpha-Stim. Alpha-Stim has been proven time and again to safely and effectively relieve anxiety, insomnia, and depression. It is an FDA cleared medical device – not a drug – so there is no risk of addiction or lingering side effects that could interfere with your ability to perform your duties.More than 100 clinical research studies back the effectiveness of Alpha-Stim. In fact, one study looked specifically at the use of  and found it to be effective even for this highly stressed demographic.There is no shame in feeling stressed, anxious, depressed, or burned out from your work. Even heroes need a helping hand every now and then. Click here to learn more and get started today.  are available, and we are proud to offer  for first responders.

What Is Cranial Electrostimulation? A tiny current can pack a powerful lift for the brain. Article written for Psychology Today by Emily Deans, MD | Posted Dec 22, 2017 Every once in a while I read the twitter feed or see a youtube video from one of those “biohacking’ Silicon Valley dudebros…you know, the aging men on the West Coast with too much money who want to extend a happy and healthy life by whatever means possible, whether it’s MCT oil in coffee, the blood of youngsters, or expensive supplements. One of these biohackers, Dave Asprey, walks around with electric leads stuck to his forehead, getting constant low-level stimulation to “improve” his brain. So of course when I saw ads geared toward psychiatrists for similar stimulation machines (you might even be seeing some of those ads right now!), my skepticism cannon locked on target. Tiny electric currents through the brain having some effect other than a fancy and expensive placebo? It reminded me of the old electric treatments used at the turn of the 20th century for every little thing, from cancer to anemia. We do have a couple electricity-based, gadget treatments in psychiatry, but they involve inducing seizures or a very powerful magnet placed over the prefrontal cortex. I thought cranial electrostimulation (CES), the application of a tiny electric current to the brain, must be overhyped nonsense, but I hadn’t really looked into it. Then I picked up a year-old copy of my favorite practical evidence-based psychiatry newsletter, The Carlat Report. A college asked me, “Why don’t we try one of those machines they talk about in this article?” The machines discussed were the Alpha-Stim, one of several CES devices on the market. The psychiatrist interviewed in The Carlat Report said they could be quite useful, and in her opinion, worked well for folks with anxiety and insomnia, often enabling patients who relied heavily on addictive benzodiazepines or sleeping medications to reduce or eliminate those medicines. The machines are FDA cleared for the treatment of anxiety, insomnia, depression, and some pain syndromes. Well, that sounded quite promising. In a psychiatry clinic like ours, we have a host of patients with anxiety and/or insomnia who have not been fully helped by non-addictive meds and therapy, who thus rely on benzodiazepines and sleeping meds every day. Often patients come in for the first time already on these meds, and we work for months to years to reduce or eliminate them if possible. It would be great to have an easier and effective way to decrease the use of addictive and sleeping medications. Other patients who don’t want to use those meds struggle with constant anxiety they’ve lived with for years. But could a machine that looks a bit like an old mp3 player with electrodes you clamp to your earlobes really help? So, I decided, finally, to look into the available literature. We also bit the bullet and purchased one of the machines for about $800. I promptly discovered we are quite late to the party. CES was invented in the Soviet Union in 1954 (I am picturing some Jason Bourne-type superhuman-creating experiments to improve Soviet athletes or chess players), spread rapidly through the Eastern Bloc, Europe, and Japan and arrived in the US in the 60s. University research started with treating insomnia and pain syndromes. In 1979, Dr. Daniel Kirsch invented the particular waveform used in the Alpha-Stim, which is based on a waveform put out by healthy nerve tissue. This device has since been used in over 100 independent and many peer-reviewed studies* for anxiety, depression, insomnia, and pain. It is widely used and studied in the army, particularly in PTSD, and the VA will pay for the devices for veterans. Dentists use CES machines for acute anxiety regulation for their patients, and psychiatrists, psychologists, and physical therapists in Texas and the South apparently know all about the machine and have a lot of experience with it. But what does the machine do, and how does it work? An fMRI study shows it decreases cortical activity, and cerebral spinal fluid studies show it increases serotonin and beta endorphins in the central nervous system. Quantitative EEG reports show it decreases (deep sleep) delta waves and increases alpha waves, associated with meditation and first stage sleep…thus, acutely, the application of the micro current can lead to a sense of alert but calm energy, clear-headedness, and wellbeing. Sessions last from 20-60 minutes depending on the amount of current you can tolerate. Side effects can include vertigo or dizziness (if the stimulation is set too high or you can’t tolerate the machine), headache (approx 1 in 1000) or skin irritation (approx 1 in 1500). No cases of mania or serotonin syndrome have been reported. Long term, daily or near daily use of the machine for 3-6 weeks can be quite effective in improving sleep, anxiety, and depression symptoms, according to several randomized controlled trials. This effect can be maintained with 2-3X a week treatments. It doesn’t work for everyone, and a pilot trial in Alzheimer’s patients was negative. Anecdotal experience from colleagues who use the device supports the anxiety and insomnia research. My own n=1 experience showed an immediate decrease in feelings of stress for 6-7 hours (that feels a little too good to be quite legal…a bit like the “high” after a good workout) with early morning treatment, followed by a solid and restorative night’s sleep. You can see the improvement in my sleep tracking software: the first image is from a typical night in the week before using the machine. The second is the first night after morning use. I did have the machine set too high the first time (my own fault), resulting in a couple hours of residual dizziness, and I did experience a very mild “crash” of sorts after about 7 hours, though that went away after the 10th daily use and hasn’t come back. My response and the feedback from the patients we had try it in clinic was positive enough that we bought two more machines. All my clinic colleagues have used it, with one other immediately buying a machine of her own, and another unable to tolerate even the lowest setting. What are the down sides, besides cost (though repeated therapy visits and copays for meds can add up quickly)? What does even a tiny electric current applied to your brain nearly every day do to you, long term? The Facebook site has anecdotes of people using the device for 10 years or more, but there’s not really any solid long term data. However, insomnia and anxiety long term is definitely not good for the body and brain, and long term use of sleep medications is linked to dementia, so if a device can improve deep, restorative sleep and reduce anxiety without addiction, the risks and benefits discussion can tilt pretty quickly. The data for conditions such as bipolar depression or psychosis are very limited, though the machine is used in inpatient psych unites, head injury and stroke recovery units, so quite sick folks, without problems or side effects other than those mentioned above. The only contraindications are pregnancy and powered implanted medical devices such as pacemakers. For my patients with anxiety and depression, I use a simple metaphor…usually they’ve struggled for years with symptoms we now know is related to the sympathetic “fight or flight” nervous system engaged in high gear. Meditation, therapy, sleep management, lifestyle advice…all of this is geared to powering up the parasympathetic “rest and digest” nervous system that has become atrophied under the burden of constant stress, depression, insomnia, and anxiety. These folks are like the guys at the gym who only do chest presses and biceps curls…they get jacked but walk around like bent-over gorillas. What they need are lat pulls and posterior chain exercises to equalize their bodies, and lifestyle interventions, relaxation, and restorative sleep can strengthen that weak “rest and digest” nervous system. I postulate the CES machines force the brain to work on those lat pulls, to chill out and get to a meditative state, but passively, without the hard work and practice of very effective meditation. In any event, another useful weapon in the armamentarium against chronic anxiety and insomnia is always welcome. I’m going to continue to use the machine for now, though I doubt I’ll ever walk around all day with electrodes stuck to my forehead or inject the blood of my younger peers…Edit Post Text

Chances are, we’ve all encountered a situation in which we can’t easily leave the house for appointments and activities. Perhaps your city is buried by a snowstorm, or you have a sick child at home who needs you. Or, as so many of us are encountering right now in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, you may have been ordered to stay home. Many cities and states have ordered the suspension of non-emergency doctor appointments until the spread of coronavirus is under control. But what if you regularly see a physician for the pain management of an injury or chronic condition? If you rely on physical therapy, acupuncture, or another form of in-person pain management, the inability to attend your appointments right now is nerve-wracking and may be compounding your problems by causing anxiety. While we must all cope with the new “normal” in the world for the time being (social distancing and shuttered businesses, for example,) there is a way to manage your pain from the comfort and safety of your own home – and you don’t have to turn to medication. Alpha-Stim® is a fast, safe, and effective way to treat acute, post-traumatic, and chronic pain. It is an FDA cleared, handheld medical device – not a drug – that delivers long-lasting and often immediate relief from all types of pain. Two handheld Smart Probes transmit a tiny current of electricity directly to the site of your pain, in a pain-free modality known as microcurrent electrical therapy (MET.) A full treatment takes just minutes to conduct. A man uses Alpha-Stim smart probes on his kneeAlpha-Stim delivers relief directly to the site of your pain using noninvasively Smart Probes. Since Alpha-Stim is not a drug, there is no risk of addiction or overuse. You can conduct treatments as often as you need to. Results with Alpha-Stim are cumulative over time, however – so the more you use it, the less you’ll need to. It’s safe to use in conjunction with any other treatment modalities you may currently be using and is appropriate for use by people of all ages, from children to aging adults. Better still, Alpha-Stim also treats anxiety, insomnia, and depression – all three of which can accompany chronic pain, and which may be exacerbated by the stress of the COVID-19 pandemic. By treating both your body and your brain, you’ll feel your absolute best. Alpha-Stim is backed by decades of experience and more than 100 clinical research studies. Patients rave about their success with Alpha-Stim, with one veteran even avoiding the amputation of both his legs. And if you’re not impressed with what Alpha-Stim does for you in 30 days, simply send it back. Life has a way of disrupting our routines when we least expect it. If pain management is a part of your life, why not make sure that you can safely and easily get relief in your very own home, no matter what’s happening outside your doors? In just minutes a day – no appointment needed – you can reduce pain, quell anxiety, and improve your mood and your sleep. Why wait? Get started today!  About Alpha-StimAlpha-Stim® is an FDA cleared, handheld medical device that has been proven time and again to effectively treat acute, post traumatic, and chronic pain, as well as anxiety, insomnia, and depression. Alpha-Stim uses cranial electrotherapy stimulation (CES), delivered through a patented waveform via two earclip electrodes, to treat anxiety, insomnia, and depression. Microcurrent electrical therapy (MET) delivers pain relief directly to the source of discomfort via two handheld Smart Probes.​

Coronavirus and Stress: How to Cope with the Financial Anxiety COVID-19 has thrown us into unfamiliar territory. Almost every aspect of normal life has been disrupted: we’ve been told to practice social distancing; workplaces and schools have closed their doors; the news is flooded with information that can be downright terrifying. A cell phone shows the downward trend of a stockWatching the stock market during the COVID-19 pandemic can make your stress skyrocket The coronavirus pandemic is stress-inducing not only because of the impact it’s having on the health of people around the world, but also because it is rocking our financial stability. The stock market has crashed to its lowest levels since 1987. And all of those closed businesses? Well, that means there are a lot of people who aren’t able to earn a paycheck. If you’re feeling the financial stress brought on by COVID-19, you’re not alone. In fact, Americans report being more concerned about their finances than their health in the midst of the pandemic. But there are ways you can weather the storm and maximize your financial and mental wellbeing. Who is Being Affected?President Trump issued guidelines on March 16 that called for Americans to avoid eating at restaurants and gathering at bars, gathering in groups of more than 10 people, and to attend work and school remotely whenever possible. The owners of those restaurants and bars rely on their patrons for their livelihood. Food service operations often run on extremely tight budgets, and even a small hit can send a small business owner into the red. And for workers whose jobs cannot be done remotely – construction workers, waitstaff at restaurants, employees at retail stores — these layoffs have an enormous and immediate impact. “In states that have shut down dining areas of restaurants and bars – including California, Illinois, New York, Pennsylvania, Michigan and Ohio – the leisure and hospitality sector employs about 7.4 million workers whose jobs could be impacted,” according to Challenger, Gray and Christmas. “Employees in the travel sector, including airlines, lodging and logistics, are particularly at risk.” A waiter carries a tray of drinkWith large social gatherings prohibited, the restaurant industry is taking a big hit And what about the stock market? Even for people who don’t invest, the news about the downturn strikes an ominous note. But those who are close to retirement or who have invested large amounts of their earnings are reeling especially hard. Unemployment is likely to soar in the next weeks and months; layoffs have begun and will escalate. Additionally, the day-to-day challenges can be enormous for people who live paycheck to paycheck. While some people can stock up on several weeks’ worth of groceries without blinking an eye, others simply do not have the cash flow to buy more than usual. It’s a high-stakes environment in which people are being forced to make incredibly difficult decisions about limited resources. How to Cope in a Time of FearIt is normal to feel stressed, afraid, and anxious right now. But you don’t need to let those feelings take over your life. There are still things you can do to take control, including: Accepting the current state of affairs; recognizing you cannot control thingsIdentifying your emotional triggers – and not allowing them to take overMaking mental health a top priorityAvoiding unnecessary financial risksSeeking support from your communityWhen it comes to prioritizing mental health, there are resources available to you even in a time of social distancing. The National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) offers valuable information on their website, and many therapists and counsellors are offering telemedicine. A man uses Alpha-Stim at workAlpha-Stim is compact and discrete – you can easily use it at home or work (which are likely the same place right now!) Another option for maximizing your mental wellbeing is Alpha-Stim®. Alpha-Stim is an FDA cleared medical device clinically proven to safely and effectively treat depression, anxiety, and stress-related disorders. Alpha-Stim is not a drug – it is a cranial electrotherapy stimulation (CES) device, delivering a tiny current of electricity to your brain through two electrodes that clip onto your earlobes. The painless, patented waveform of electricity restores balance to your brainwaves, making you feel better fast. Unlike with medications, Alpha-Stim bears no risk of addiction, withdrawal, or lasting side effects. It is safe to use in conjunction with other treatment modalities, and safe for use by everyone from young children to the elderly. There is no risk of overuse with Alpha-Stim; you can conduct a treatment whenever you feel your stress or anxiety escalating. Relief is long lasting and often immediate. Better still, results with Alpha-Stim are cumulative over time: the more frequently you use it, the less you’ll need to. The bottom line is that we are living through something very scary. It’s normal to be experiencing mental and emotional distress – but you don’t have to accept stress and anxiety as your new normal. Get started today (we’re here for you – our offices are still open) and see what Alpha-Stim can do for you. And since we understand that finances may be a concern, if you’re not impressed with how much better you feel in 30 days, you can return it.  About Alpha-StimAlpha-Stim® is an FDA cleared, handheld medical device that has been proven time and again to effectively treat acute, post traumatic, and chronic pain, as well as anxiety, insomnia, and depression. Alpha-Stim uses cranial electrotherapy stimulation (CES), delivered through a patented waveform via two earclip electrodes, to treat anxiety, insomnia, and depression. Microcurrent electrical therapy (MET) delivers pain relief directly to the source of discomfort via two handheld Smart Probes. The safety and effectiveness of Alpha-Stim is backed by over 100 independent clinical research studies. Unlike with medications, there is no risk of addiction or lasting side effects.The safety and effectiveness of Alpha-Stim is backed by over 100 independent clinical research studies. Unlike with medications, there is no risk of addiction or lasting side effects.​