A pilot study on high amplitude low frequency–music impulse stimulation as an add‐on treatment for depression

Gudrun Agusta Sigurdardóttir, Peter Michael Nielsen, Jesper Rønager, August Gabriel Wang

Research output: Contribution to journalArticle

11 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract


Objective

High Amplitude Low Frequency–Music Impulse Stimulation (HALF-MIS) is a form of Vagus Nerve Stimulation (VNS). The aim of the study was to determine the feasibility, efficacy, and potential side effects of HALF-MIS, used as an add-on treatment for depression.
Methods

This is an open randomized controlled pilot study. Patients with depressive disorder were randomly allocated to either a HALF-MIS group with eight add-on HALF-MIS sessions (over a period of 3–4 weeks) or a control group which received treatment as usual. Seated in a specially designed chair() embedded with a transducer, their central nervous system was stimulated through the abdomen, () using music and vibration. Hamilton rating was performed. Side effects were registered.
Results

Eighteen patients were randomized to the add-on treatment and 20 patients to the control group. Both groups show in Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HDRS)-17 and in HDRS-6, although the HALF-MIS group had a greater decline of symptoms. This was a significant difference in intergroup analysis (p = .011, CI 95% for the HALF-MIS group 3.0588–8.5327 and CI 95% for the control group 0.2384–3.0). The (HDRS)-6 difference was also significant (p = .020, CI 95% for the HALF-MIS group 1.5911–5.0487 and for the control group −0.297 to 1.7058). No side effects were observed.
Conclusions

High Amplitude Low Frequency–Music Impulse Stimulation treatment seems to give beneficial effect as an add-on treatment for depression. HALF-MIS appears to be a safe and effective add-on treatment for depression.
Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)1-6
Number of pages6
JournalBrain and Behavior
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - Oct 2019

Keywords

  • depressive disorders
  • pilot
  • randomized controlled trial
  • vagus nerve stimulation
  • vibroacoustic therapy

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