Gilula, Marshall F., and Kirsch, Daniel L. Cranial electrotherapy stimulation review: a safer alternative to psychopharmaceuticals in the treatment of depression. Journal of Neurotherapy, 9(2):63-77, 2005. Presented at the International Society for Neuronal Regulation 12th Annual Conference, August 26-29, 2004 in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida.

Cranial electrotherapy stimulation (CES) as a treatment for depression is reviewed and its reported effectiveness is compared with the reported effectiveness of six of the more commonly prescribed antidepressant medications. Relative safety factors of the two modes of treatment are also compared. The lesser-known CES modality is described historically and clinically. Drug data submitted by various pharmaceutical companies to the FDA for approval of their medications in the treatment of depression are compared with CES data submitted to the FDA by Electromedical Products International, Inc. for the same indications. Among the drug studies submitted to the FDA for approval, the improvement in the placebo groups accounted for an average of 79% of the reported improvement, with the drug effect achieving an average of only 21% improvement above the placebo group. In the CES comparison studies, the placebo groups accounted for an average of 37% of the improvement reported, with the CES treated groups averaging 63% improvement above the placebo group. Negative medication side effects are compared according to their manufacturers published listings. From a statistical point of view sufficient data exist to show that the FDA approved CES technology appears to have greater efficacy and safety as a treatment for depression than FDA approved antidepressant medications. Accordingly, CES deserves more widespread consideration for the treatment of depression.

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