Study type: Medical/biological study (experimental study)

Modulated microwave effects on individuals with depressive disorder med./bio.

By: Bachmann M, Hinrikus H, Aadamsoo K, Vohma U, Lass J, Rubljova J, Suhhova A, Tuulik V
Published in: Environmentalist 2007; 27 (4): 505-510
Download citation in RIS format

Aim of study (acc. to author)

The effect of microwave exposure on patients with depressive disorder and healthy subjects was investigated in this study.

Background/further details

18 depressive female patients and comparison group of 18 healthy women, mean age 39 years, participated. The depression was determined by use of the Hamilton Depression Rating Scale. Patients with a score more than 14 were eligible (average score: 21). All the subjects passed two sessions with exposure and sham exposure. During the experiments subjects were lying in a dark room, eyes closed and ears blocked.

Endpoint

Exposure

Exposure Parameters
Exposure 1: 450 MHz
Modulation type: pulsed
Exposure duration: continuous for 30 min

Exposure 1

Main characteristics
Frequency 450 MHz
Type
Exposure duration continuous for 30 min
Modulation
Modulation type pulsed
Duty cycle 50 %
Repetition frequency 1,000 Hz
Exposure setup
Exposure source
Distance between exposed object and exposure source 10 cm
Chamber The subjects were lying in a relaxed position with their eyes closed and ears blocked in a dark room with the experimenter present.
Setup The antenna was located at 10 cm from the skin on the left side of the head.
Sham exposure A sham exposure was conducted.
Additional info All subjects passed two test sessions (one only per day) with RF or sham exposure randomly assigned.
Parameters
Measurand Value Type Method Mass Remarks
SAR 2 W/kg - calculated - -
power density 0.9 mW/cm² - measured - at the left side
power density 0.45 mW/cm² - measured - above the head
power density 0.14 mW/cm² - measured - at the right side
Additional parameter details

The spatial distribution of the power density around the head and upper torso was not uniform.

Measurement and calculation details

The power density at the skin was estimated from calibration curves depending on distance obtained under real experimental conditions using a field strength meter, and the stability of the MW level was monitored during the experiments. The SAR value was calculated based on the maximum field power density.

Exposed system:

Methods Endpoint/measurement parameters/methodology

Investigated system:
Investigated organ system:
Time of investigation:
  • before exposure
  • during exposure
  • after exposure

Main outcome of study (acc. to author)

The subjective rating tests revealed improvement in subjective mood after exposure in 11 depressive subjects (sham exposure: 7) and no changes in 7 patients (sham exposure: 10).
The EEG analysis showed statistically significant changes in H-parameter for five patients with depressive disorder and for one healthy subject.

Study character:

Study funded by

Related articles