A randomized controlled trial on the effect of cranial electrotherapy stimulation on depression, anxiety, and craving in addicted male patients undergoing methadone maintenance treatment

Background Addicted patients undergoing methadone maintenance treatment are prone to several complications and the risk of relapse. Objective The present study aims to investigate the effect of cranial electrotherapy stimulation on depression, anxiety, and craving in addicted male people undergoing methadone maintenance treatment. Methods This randomized controlled trial study was conducted on 60 male patients referred to Persia addiction treatment center between 2021 and 2022. Patients were randomly divided into two equal treatment and placebo groups. The treatment group received cranial electrotherapy stimulation intervention for 48 sessions of 30 min. Depression and anxiety were evaluated using the Hamilton questionnaire before and after the intervention, and the level of craving was also evaluated with the Federdi 2008 questionnaire. Results Comparing the level of depression and anxiety before and after the intervention in both treatment and placebo groups did not show any significant difference (p < 0.05). Craving after the intervention was significantly different in both groups and was lower in the treatment group compared to the placebo group (33.43 versus 42.17, p = 0.004). In the placebo group, the level of anxiety and depression, and in the treatment group, the level of depression, anxiety and craving for consumption decreased significantly after the intervention compared to before the intervention (p < 0.05). Conclusion Cranial electrotherapy stimulation did not have a significant effect on reducing the level of depression and anxiety of patients, but it is effective in the reduction of craving in addicted people undergoing methadone maintenance treatment.