How well does r-EEG ("Referenced EEG") evaluation work?

It’s a kind of testing that’s supposed to identify what combination of anti-depression medications will work best for someone whose depression has been resistant to drug treatment. Has anyone here undergone this, or know someone who has? I’d like to hear about your experience. I’m trying to decide whether it’s worth the expense to try it. (It’s not cheap.)

Answer #1

In theory, rEEG is a great solution, but my advice would be to wait. Some studies have found rEEG to be effective in guiding psychopharmacological intervention for depression (e.g., DeBattista et al., 2011), while some researchers question its effectiveness (Tsai, 2011). The studies I have read and which were recommended by my university lecturers were all dated between 2010 and 2012 if I recall, so I’d say research on rEEG (in depression intervention) is in its infancy. For now though, I’d say the financial investment would be depressing enough if its very expensive. The research I have read looks promising, but I don’t know of anyone who has actually tried it because SSRI medications have tended to be effective for friends of mine.

Answer #2

Thanks, Yummeh. The mixed conclusions you cite sound similar to what my web searches have turned up. That’s why I’d like to hear some personal stories of success or failure. I’ve had no luck with SSRIs or other types of pharmaceuticals. The one source I looked into for rEEG cost around $800 if I remember right. Financially speaking, I can choose either that or a few months of high-quality psychotherapy. Pending further information, I’m heading toward the latter. Having experienced a few years of good mental health without chemical assistance not so long ago, I’m less than enthusiastic about anti-depressants anyway, even if their effectiveness were guaranteed.

Answer #3

My lecturer spoke of rEEG as an emerging avenue for intervention, and I’m assuming he knows of some people who have tried it. I am a bit skeptical of anti-depressants in that I view them as mood stabilisers as opposed to mood-improvers. In other words, for them to be effective, you must be in a supportive environment and keep yourself clear of those things that make you depressed. This is easier said than done for most. Although I love physiology and neuroscience, I think therapy is the best approach for now because we don’t fully understand all the effects that anti-depressants have. I’d say going with the high-quality psychotherapy would be the best way to go. $800 is a bit of a gamble considering that effectiveness seems not to be guaranteed :-?.

Answer #4

*sceptical :D

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