Jeffrey J. Borckardt, PhD

Associate Professor and Director of the Biobehavioral Medicine Division, Brain Stimulation Laboratory and Biobehavioral Medicine Division, Medical University of South Carolina

Fisher Wallace and Alpha-Stim for Depression? Claims vs Evidence

July 1, 2015

Gregory L. Sahlem, MD and Jeffrey J. Borckardt, PhD

Gregory L. Sahlem, MD Clinical instructor of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Medical University of South Carolina Dr. Sahlem has disclosed that the has no relevant relationships or financial interests in any commercial company pertaining to this educational activity. Jeffrey J. Borckardt, PhD Associate Professor and Director of the Biobehavioral Medicine Division, Brain Stimulation Laboratory and Biobehavioral Medicine Division, Medical University of South Carolina Dr. Borckhardt has disclosed that he has no relevant relationships or financial interests in any commercial company pertaining to this educational activity.

Carly Simon swears by it. The daytime show “The Doctors” gave it a glowing review. Ads for it seem to be invading psychiatrists’ Google search results. We’re talking, of course, about the Fisher Wallace Stimulator and the similarly touted Alpha-Stim device. How do these devices work? Are they actually effective? And where do they fit into the rapidly expanding array of neuromodulators?