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Peripheral Somatosensory Stimulation in the Treatment of Depression and Anxiety: A Clinical Trial

Leslie Ann Nussbaum, Tariq Mohammed Janjua, Jon Michael Pederson, Eric Spencer Nussbaum

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.