Music Impulse Stimulation effective as add on treatment for depression

Depression is a common mental illness worldwide, with an estimated 3.8% of the population affecting, 5.0% adults and 5.7% among adults older than 60 years.

A new study by Dr Gudrun Agusta Sigurdardottir and team from Psychiatric Centre Amager, Copenhagen University Hospital, Copenhagen S, Denmark reported that High Amplitude Low Frequency–Music Impulse Stimulation (HALF- MIS) treatment might have beneficial effect as an add-on treatment for depression by Vagal Nerve Stimulation (VNS).

The study is published in Brain and Behaviour journal.

The objective of the study was to determine the feasibility, efficacy, and potential side effects of HALF-MIS, used as an add-on treatment for depression.

The study was 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.

The results of the study were

• A total of 38 participants out of which 18 patients were randomized to the add-on treatment and 20 patients to the control group.

• Both groups were assesed in Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HDRS)-17 and in HDRS-6, although the HALF-MIS group had a greater decline of symptoms.

• 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) was found.

• 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.

Dr Sigurdardottir and team concluded that "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." However, this study was limited in that there was a small sample size as well as heterogeneity in the antidepressants used between participants. Nonetheless, HALF-MIS represents a non-invasive adjunct to traditional depression interventions which may decrease symptoms and improve quality of life.

For further information: https://doi.org/10.1002/brb3.1399