Indian Journal of Private Psychiatry

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VOLUME 15 , ISSUE 1 ( January-June, 2021 ) > List of Articles

CASE REPORT

Cranial Electrotherapy Stimulation in Patients Suffering from Medically Unexplained Somatic Symptoms: A Case Series

Shorouq Motwani, Krishnapriya Murlimanohar

Keywords : CES, Cranial electrotherapy stimulation, Medically unexplained somatic symptoms, Pain

Citation Information : Motwani S, Murlimanohar K. Cranial Electrotherapy Stimulation in Patients Suffering from Medically Unexplained Somatic Symptoms: A Case Series. Ind J Priv Psychiatry 2021; 15 (1):42-44.

DOI: 10.5005/jp-journals-10067-0069

License: CC BY-NC 4.0

Published Online: 14-10-2021

Copyright Statement:  Copyright © 2021; The Author(s).


Abstract

Introduction: Patients with medically unexplained somatic symptoms (MUSS) are encountered commonly in clinical practice. These symptoms are often difficult to treat and do not respond well to medication. There have been some studies demonstrating the efficacy of cranial electrotherapy stimulation (CES) in the management of somatic symptoms. Most studies on CES are for the management of anxiety and there is a dearth of literature with regard to the use of CES in MUSS. This case series is aimed at demonstrating the efficacy of CES in the management of MUSS. Methods: This case series consisted of patients with MUSS that presented to the psychiatry outpatient department of a tertiary general hospital. Patients with MUSS with no other medical cause and not relieved with available medications were included in the case series. Patients were administered CES daily for 10–20 sessions with each session lasting 30 minutes. The efficacy was evaluated by applying Somatic Symptom Scale-8(SSS-8)and the results of all cases were analyzed. Results: Thirty-five patients (26 females and 9 males) between the ages 18–66 years were part of the case series. Majority of them had a diagnosis of major depressive disorder. There was statistically significant improvement in somatic symptoms after CES sessions in majority of the patients at the end of day 20 (29 of 35 patients). Conclusions: CES is a safe treatment option for MUSS, and further studies in larger samples to establish its efficacy is warranted.


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