Durability of Symptom Reductions Associated with Use of HIRREM by Military Personnel with Traumatic Stress (I8.007)

Abstract

Objective: Evaluate the effects, and durability, associated with use of High-resolution, relational, resonance-based, electroencephalic mirroring (HIRREM®) among subjects enrolled in a pilot study for symptoms of military-related traumatic stress (MTS). Background: Symptoms associated with MTS include insomnia, depression, and anxiety. HIRREM is a noninvasive, closed-loop acoustic stimulation technology that identifies dominant brain frequencies and translates them in real time into audible tones of variable pitch and timing, to support self-updating and self-optimization of brain activity. We report interim MTS symptom outcomes. Methods: Fourteen male service members, or Veterans, mean (SD) age 40.9 (7.0), with MTS symptoms from 1-12 years, received 19.6 (1.0) HIRREM sessions over 12 days. Symptom inventories collected before, immediately after (n = 14, Visit 2, V2), and at 1 (n = 13, V3), 3 (n = 8, V4), and 6 (n = 3, V5) months after completion of HIRREM, included inventories of traumatic stress (PCL-M), insomnia (ISI), depression (CES-D), and anxiety (GAD -7). Paired t-tests were performed. Results: Mean change in symptom scores compared to baseline values included PCL-M [V2, -12.7 (8.4), p < 0.01; V3, -19.1 (12.1), p < 0.01; V4, -19 (17.3), p = 0.02)], ISI [V2, -5.3 (5.0), p < 0.01; V3, -8.9 (5.5), p < 0.01; V4, -7.6 (7.7), p = 0.03], CES-D [V2, -13.7 (9.1), p < 0.01; V3, -17.5 (10.2), p < 0.01; V4, -17.8 (14.6), p = 0.01]; and GAD-7 [V2, -5.1. (4.1), p < 0.01; V3, -5.8 (4.8), p < 0.01; V4, -7 (6.8), p = 0.02]. Only 3 have reached 6 months, but trends for benefit continue. There were no adverse events or dropouts. Conclusions: These interim results show reduced symptoms of MTS, including insomnia, depression, and anxiety, with durability through 3 months post-HIRREM. Confirmation of these results could suggest an alternative approach to reduce MTS symptoms.

Disclosure: Dr. Tegeler has nothing to disclose. Dr. Tegeler has nothing to disclose. Dr. Cook has nothing to disclose. Dr. Howard has nothing to disclose. Dr. Lee has received personal compensation for with activities with Brain State Technologies, LLC., as an employee. Dr. Shaltout has nothing to disclose.