What questions should I ask a 46‑year‑old male referred for Alpha‑Stim therapy during a face‑to‑face assessment?

Assessment Questions for Alpha-Stim Face-to-Face Evaluation in a 46-Year-Old Male

Primary Indication and Symptom Assessment

Begin by establishing the specific indication for Alpha-Stim referral, as this device is primarily used for anxiety, depression, and insomnia. 1, 2

Current Symptoms

• "What specific symptoms are you experiencing that led to this referral?" (anxiety, depression, insomnia, or combination) 3
• "When did these symptoms start, and how have they progressed over time?" 3
• For each symptom identified, ask about severity, frequency, variability, exacerbating factors, and easing factors 3
• "On a scale of 0-10, how would you rate the severity of your [anxiety/depression/insomnia] right now?" 3
• "How do these symptoms interfere with your ability to do what you want to do in your daily life?" 3
• "What areas of your life are affected most—work, relationships, sleep, social activities, self-care?" 3

Psychiatric History and Current Mental Health

• "Have you ever been diagnosed with depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, or any other mental health condition?" 3
• "Are you currently taking any antidepressant or anti-anxiety medications? If so, which ones, at what dose, and for how long?" 1
• "Have you ever had thoughts of harming yourself or ending your life?" 3
• "Have you ever done anything on purpose to hurt yourself?" 3
• Screen for current depressive symptoms: sad mood, loss of interest, sleep changes, appetite changes, fatigue, guilt, concentration problems, thoughts of death 3
• Screen for anxiety symptoms: excessive worry, restlessness, difficulty concentrating, irritability, muscle tension, sleep disturbance 1, 2

Understanding of Diagnosis and Treatment Expectations

• "What is your understanding of why you've been referred for Alpha-Stim treatment?" 3
• "Do you agree with the diagnosis that led to this referral?" 3
• "What are you hoping to achieve with Alpha-Stim treatment?" 3
• "What are your expectations about how this treatment works and what it can do for you?" 3
• "Are you motivated to use this device daily at home for the recommended duration?" 3

Medical History and Contraindications

• "Do you have any implanted electrical devices such as a pacemaker, defibrillator, or deep brain stimulator?" 1
• "Have you ever had seizures or been diagnosed with epilepsy?" 1
• "Do you have any skin conditions or open wounds on your head, face, or ears where the electrodes would be placed?" 1
• "What other medical conditions do you have?" 3
• "What medications are you currently taking, including over-the-counter and supplements?" 3
• "Do you use alcohol or recreational drugs? If so, how much and how often?" 3

Functional Impact and Daily Routine

• "Walk me through a typical 24-hour day—when do you wake up, what activities do you do, when do you go to bed?" 3
• "How are your sleep patterns—difficulty falling asleep, staying asleep, or waking too early?" 3
• "Are you currently working or in education? If so, how are your symptoms affecting your performance?" 3
• "If not working, are you receiving disability benefits or insurance?" 3
• "Do you have responsibilities at home—caring for children, elderly parents, household tasks?" 3
• "What meaningful activities or hobbies have you had to give up or reduce because of your symptoms?" 3

Social Support and Living Situation

• "Who do you live with?" 3
• "Do you have family or friends who support you?" 3
• "Is there anyone who could help remind you to use the device daily if needed?" 2
• "Have you experienced any significant life stressors recently—relationship problems, job loss, bereavement, financial difficulties?" 3

Previous Treatment History

• "What treatments have you tried before for these symptoms—medications, therapy, other devices?" 3
• "What worked and what didn't work from previous treatments?" 3
• "Are you currently receiving any psychological therapy or counseling?" 1
• "Have you been hospitalized for mental health reasons in the past?" 3

Practical Considerations for Home Use

• "Do you have a private space at home where you could use the device for one hour daily?" 1, 2
• "Do you have concerns about using a medical device at home independently?" 2
• "Are you comfortable with the idea of self-administering treatment daily?" 3
• "Do you have any questions or worries about how the device works or potential side effects?" 3

Safety Screening

• "Are you currently experiencing suicidal thoughts or urges to harm yourself?" 3
• "Do you have access to firearms or other means of self-harm at home?" 3
• "If you were feeling worse, who would you contact for help?" 3

Readiness and Commitment Assessment

• "Are you willing to commit to using this device for one hour every day for at least 6-8 weeks?" 1, 2
• "Do you understand that this is a treatment you'll need to practice independently at home, not something done to you in clinic?" 3
• "What barriers might prevent you from using the device daily?" 3