The effect of binaural pulse modulation (B.P.M) on brain state in depression and anxiety: a case series

Abstract Objective In this pilot study a binaural pulse modulator was tested to see if it leads to a change in self-reported measures of distress. This binaural pulse modulator produces two frequencies that combine to create a binaural pulse to stimulate the nervous system through a differential aud...

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Main Authors: Gerry Leisman, Joseph Wallach, Yanin Machado-Ferrer, Mauricio Chinchilla-Acosta, Abraham Gérard Meyer, Robert Lebovits, Scott Donkin
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: BMC 2024-11-01
Series:Journal of Medical Case Reports
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Online Access:https://doi.org/10.1186/s13256-024-04888-3
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author Gerry Leisman
Joseph Wallach
Yanin Machado-Ferrer
Mauricio Chinchilla-Acosta
Abraham Gérard Meyer
Robert Lebovits
Scott Donkin
author_facet Gerry Leisman
Joseph Wallach
Yanin Machado-Ferrer
Mauricio Chinchilla-Acosta
Abraham Gérard Meyer
Robert Lebovits
Scott Donkin
author_sort Gerry Leisman
collection DOAJ
description Abstract Objective In this pilot study a binaural pulse modulator was tested to see if it leads to a change in self-reported measures of distress. This binaural pulse modulator produces two frequencies that combine to create a binaural pulse to stimulate the nervous system through a differential auditory tone presentation and the response of the user can be adjusted to the appropriate target tone for effective treatment use. Each individual calibrated the binaural pulse to increase the level of emotion experienced while imagining an experience with a similar emotional valence or while engaged in a cognitive function while also listening to the sound. “Treatment” is based on the client’s control of the binaural pulses to achieve the desired state. Training focuses on specific aspects of their psychological difficulties while listening to an auditory tone, turning a knob until the sound becomes uncomfortable. Finally, another knob is turned to cancel out the uncomfortable noise which appears to be associated with a reduction in distress. Case presentations Four adult Hispanic participants (three females and one male) were studied with self-reported measures of distress (generalized anxiety disorder 7, Coronavirus Disease Stress Scale, posttraumatic stress disorder checklist for Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition, and Beck depression scale II) were completed at screening, before treatment, after treatment, 4-weeks post-treatment, and 12-weeks post-treatment. Quantitative electroencephalogram and functional magnetic resonance imaging were also performed before and after treatment. Results Preliminary findings indicated that at the end of treatment with binaural pulse modulator there were reported reductions in self-reported levels of distress. Quantitative electroencephalogram as well as functional magnetic resonance imaging changes in brain state were also noted when comparing pre- to post-treatment. Conclusions: binaural pulse modulator use appears to result in temporary changes in self-reported levels of distress during treatment. Limitations of the study are reviewed and directions for further research are offered.
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spelling doaj-art-72efc538ca6f4eb78683da6086760fd52024-12-01T12:27:45ZengBMCJournal of Medical Case Reports1752-19472024-11-0118111110.1186/s13256-024-04888-3The effect of binaural pulse modulation (B.P.M) on brain state in depression and anxiety: a case seriesGerry Leisman0Joseph Wallach1Yanin Machado-Ferrer2Mauricio Chinchilla-Acosta3Abraham Gérard Meyer4Robert Lebovits5Scott Donkin6Movement and Cognition Laboratory, University of HaifaMaccabi Health System and Private Practice of PsychologyDepartment of Clinical Neurophysiology, Instituto de Neurologia y NeurocirugiaDepartment of Clinical Neurophysiology, Instituto de Neurologia y NeurocirugiaMental Wellness Society InternationalPrivate Practice of PsychologyMind, Movement and Mood Wellness Centers, Movement DepartmentAbstract Objective In this pilot study a binaural pulse modulator was tested to see if it leads to a change in self-reported measures of distress. This binaural pulse modulator produces two frequencies that combine to create a binaural pulse to stimulate the nervous system through a differential auditory tone presentation and the response of the user can be adjusted to the appropriate target tone for effective treatment use. Each individual calibrated the binaural pulse to increase the level of emotion experienced while imagining an experience with a similar emotional valence or while engaged in a cognitive function while also listening to the sound. “Treatment” is based on the client’s control of the binaural pulses to achieve the desired state. Training focuses on specific aspects of their psychological difficulties while listening to an auditory tone, turning a knob until the sound becomes uncomfortable. Finally, another knob is turned to cancel out the uncomfortable noise which appears to be associated with a reduction in distress. Case presentations Four adult Hispanic participants (three females and one male) were studied with self-reported measures of distress (generalized anxiety disorder 7, Coronavirus Disease Stress Scale, posttraumatic stress disorder checklist for Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition, and Beck depression scale II) were completed at screening, before treatment, after treatment, 4-weeks post-treatment, and 12-weeks post-treatment. Quantitative electroencephalogram and functional magnetic resonance imaging were also performed before and after treatment. Results Preliminary findings indicated that at the end of treatment with binaural pulse modulator there were reported reductions in self-reported levels of distress. Quantitative electroencephalogram as well as functional magnetic resonance imaging changes in brain state were also noted when comparing pre- to post-treatment. Conclusions: binaural pulse modulator use appears to result in temporary changes in self-reported levels of distress during treatment. Limitations of the study are reviewed and directions for further research are offered.https://doi.org/10.1186/s13256-024-04888-3Binaural pulse modulationNeurofeedbackAnxietyDepressionDistressStress
spellingShingle Gerry Leisman
Joseph Wallach
Yanin Machado-Ferrer
Mauricio Chinchilla-Acosta
Abraham Gérard Meyer
Robert Lebovits
Scott Donkin
The effect of binaural pulse modulation (B.P.M) on brain state in depression and anxiety: a case series
Journal of Medical Case Reports
Binaural pulse modulation
Neurofeedback
Anxiety
Depression
Distress
Stress
title The effect of binaural pulse modulation (B.P.M) on brain state in depression and anxiety: a case series
title_full The effect of binaural pulse modulation (B.P.M) on brain state in depression and anxiety: a case series
title_fullStr The effect of binaural pulse modulation (B.P.M) on brain state in depression and anxiety: a case series
title_full_unstemmed The effect of binaural pulse modulation (B.P.M) on brain state in depression and anxiety: a case series
title_short The effect of binaural pulse modulation (B.P.M) on brain state in depression and anxiety: a case series
title_sort effect of binaural pulse modulation b p m on brain state in depression and anxiety a case series
topic Binaural pulse modulation
Neurofeedback
Anxiety
Depression
Distress
Stress
url https://doi.org/10.1186/s13256-024-04888-3
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