Effects of transcrerebral electrotherapy (electrosleep) on state anxiety according to suggestibility levels
Ryan, J.J.; Souheaver, G.T.
Biological Psychiatry 11(2): 233-237
1976
ISSN/ISBN: 0006-3223 PMID: 786380 Document Number: 108054
Recent research suggests that transcerebral electrotherapy (TCET) or electrosleep, may be an efficacious treatment for anxiety. A study using human subjects demonstrated that active TCET produced significantly greater reductions in state anxiety than did a simulated treatment, regardless of suggestibility level. Although suggestibility was unimportant for this group of state anxiety patients, results did not clarify the role of suggestibility in other disorders treated by TCET. Results contradict those of Moore et al. (1975) who found that TCET was ineffective for reducing anxiety as measured by the Taylor Manifest Anxiety Scale (TAS). These inconsistent findings may have resulted from the differential sensitivity of the 2 instruments. Areas for additional research are outlined.