Date: May 17, 2007 
Author: Lorien 
Location: Not Given 
Indications: Depression

I've suffered from clinical depression since I was in my early teens (enough to be hospitalized) and I've tried nearly everything; Paxil, Zoloft, Wellbutrin, Sam-e, St. John's Wort, dietary changes, exercise, etc. etc. Out of desperation, I went for a free trial of a device called "the Alpha-Stim® SCS" after reading an article about it in a local health journal.It's been two weeks now (real relief of depression isn't anticipated for three weeks)and I haven't had a suicidal thought for ten days! This is a real accomplishment for me. It's helping with my concentration and 'brain fog", and relieving some of the pain of my Fibromyalgia. What is the Alpha-Stim® SCS? It's an electrotherapy device that alters brain waves-normalizing them the way advanced meditation techniques can. It's like shock therapy-but painless and much more effective. I was skeptical at first and was worried about experiencing a placebo effect, so I asked a physicist I know to review the technology first (he has about 20 patents under his belt and helped design the CAT scan). Here is what he wrote to me regarding the Alpha-Stim® SCS:

Regarding the technology and science you asked me about: I spent several hours researching both tonight. Here's what I think from the information available and what I already know:

The existence of the human (and all other) bioelectromagnetc fields is incontrovertible. Their ability to be modified by electromagnetic fields and electric currents is likewise incontrovertible. Well known, all proven. It's also why meditative techniques, martial arts "katas", and similar have such profound effects on well-being. It's very sound science that finding the right signal can stimulate or alleviate so many different things.

I have looked at the electrophysics described in various reports and find that the causal introduction of periodic micro-currents work the same way as what is known from the sensing mechanisms of EEG and other measurement protocols. In other words -- the physics makes sense too.

Electrical stimulation of endorphin production and modification of neural mechanisms relate directly to similarly known effects of deep meditation, acupuncture, acupressure, and myofascial balancing. 

I also looked at the reports from the FDA, American Journal of Pain Management, Peer-Reviewed studies cited in both, and clinical endorsements of the actual technology and commercially available devices. These are very significant and I think scientifically sound reports and the technology employed in the product (Alpha-Stim® SCS) is specified in use. I also looked at the math cited in the clinical studies supporting the technology and reported results (generally very significantly good). I won't bore you with the math but the documented statistical trend toward clinically proven relief of various conditions seems quite impressive, especially in blind-blind studies over the last 10 years or so.

It is interesting to note that (from several reports):

Fibromyalgia patients showed 36-52% moderate to marked improvement
Myofascial showed 29-61%
Anxiety and depression showed 32-65%
CFS patients showed 60-80% fair to moderate improvement. Also the double-blind reports on significantly improved sleep cycles and reduced pain as well as re-established cognitive advantages (sharper, clearer).

What do I think -- I wouldn't hesitate to believe that the technology has the effects and uses as advertised, it's just like many "alternative-medicine" treatments except that this DOES have major well known medical organizations using and reporting it works (like the Cleveland Clinic, other hospitals, and many Pro sports teams, etc). Remember what Dave says: If it works, it's NOT "alternative medicine"

Anyway-that's a professionals take on it. But Google it for yourselves and do some research of your own. It's by prescription only, and you can always return the device if you don't feel that it's helping you (unlike Prozac). The device costs about $500-some of the best money I've spent, IMO. It's also very effective for those suffering from bi-polar disorder and panic attacks.