Background

Depression and anxiety are complex conditions that result in significant individual disability and societal costs. Despite decades of research investigating treatment options, depression and anxiety remain a major cause of quality-of-life impairment. We hypothesized that patients with anxiety and depressive disorders might benefit from Peripheral Somatosensory Stimulation (PSS) therapy.

Methods

Ten patients with clinically diagnosed anxiety and depression were enrolled to undergo daily PSS therapy over a 4-week period. Patients were evaluated for satisfaction and overall well-being (Survey 1), severity of anxiety symptoms (Survey 2) and severity of depression symptoms (Survey 3). Survey 1 was completed at weeks 1, 2 and 4 and surveys 2 and 3 were completed as a baseline prior to initiation of therapy and then at the conclusion of the trial. All data were analyzed by an independent statistician.

Results

Ten patients were enrolled in the study; all completed the trial. There were 8 women and two men; mean age was 55.8 ± 17.1 (range 29 to 75 years). All patients demonstrated a significant time-dependent improvement in satisfaction and general well-being over the course of the trial (p<0.001). All patients reported improvement in anxiety symptoms compared to baseline and the majority described improvement in depression symptoms (p<0.01).

Treatment resulted in a 19-fold higher likelihood of improvement in anxiety and a 15-fold higher likelihood of improvement in depression. No adverse events were described by the patients.

Conclusion

PSS stimulation appeared to improve symptoms in ten patients with depression and anxiety in this trial. Symptoms related to both anxiety and depression were improved significantly (p<0.01). Interestingly, anxiety symptoms improved to a slightly greater degree. We suggest that further investigation into the potential usefulness of PSS therapy in patients with anxiety and depressive disorders is warranted.