Year: 2025
Type: article
Abstract: Background Chronic pain and depression frequently co-occur, creating a complex, bidirectional burden that impairs functional outcomes and quality of life. Alpha brain wave stimulation has emerged as a novel non-pharmacological intervention aimed at enhancing relaxation and modulating mood through neuromodulation. This study compares the effectiveness of alpha brain wave stimulation with cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), a standard evidence-based treatment for depression. Aims & Objectives This study aims to evaluate the efficacy of alpha brain wave stimulation in reducing depressive symptoms in patients with chronic pain. The specific objectives are: Method A comparative case study was conducted involving 4 patients diagnosed with chronic pain and comorbid moderate-to-severe depression. Two patients received 10 sessions of alpha brain wave stimulation using EEG-based neurofeedback focused on enhancing alpha activity (8–12 Hz), while two others received 10 sessions of manualized cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) over 5 weeks. Depression levels were assessed pre- and post-intervention using the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9). Descriptive comparison was used to evaluate changes in depression scores between the two groups. Results All four patients demonstrated a reduction in PHQ-9 scores after intervention. The two patients receiving alpha stimulation showed an average reduction of 7 and 6 points, respectively, while the CBT group showed a reduction of 8 and 7 points. Although limited by sample size, the findings suggest that alpha brain wave stimulation may reduce depression severity to a degree comparable with CBT. Discussion & Conclusions This small case study indicates that alpha brain wave stimulation may be a promising non-pharmacological approach to treating depression in patients with chronic pain. While preliminary, these findings support further investigation through larger trials to evaluate efficacy, safety, and long-term effects.
Author: S Yuliani
Language: English
Subfield: Neurology
Field: Neuroscience
Domain: Life Sciences
Open Access status: gold
Estimated APC paid: $2,693
OpenAlex ID: W4413284730