Related Experiment Videos
Suicidal behavior is attenuated in patients with multiple sclerosis by treatment with electromagnetic fields
1NeuroCommunication Research Laboratories, Danbury, CT 06811, USA.
The International Journal of Neuroscience
|October 1, 1996
Summary
Pulsed electromagnetic fields (EMFs) may reduce suicidal behavior in multiple sclerosis (MS) patients by enhancing serotonin and melatonin levels. This treatment offers a potential new avenue for managing depression and suicidal ideation in MS.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Psychiatry
- Biophysics
Background:
- Depression and suicide are prevalent in multiple sclerosis (MS).
- Reduced serotonin (5-HT) and melatonin levels are linked to suicide risk in MS patients.
- Pulsed electromagnetic fields (EMFs) have shown promise in treating MS symptoms.
Observation:
- Three women with MS and suicidal behavior were treated with picotesla-level EMFs.
- Suicidal behavior resolved within weeks of EMF treatment.
- No recurrence of suicidal behavior was observed during follow-up periods ranging from months to 3.5 years.
Findings:
- EMF treatment led to the resolution of suicidal behavior in all three MS patients.
- The mechanism may involve augmenting serotonin (5-HT) neurotransmission.
- Resynchronization of circadian melatonin secretion is a potential contributing factor.
Implications:
- Pulsed EMFs could be a novel therapeutic strategy for reducing suicide risk in MS.
- This approach may improve mental depression associated with MS.
- Further research is warranted to confirm these findings and explore EMFs' therapeutic potential.