The Cyprus Psychologists’ Association is issuing an SOS regarding so-called “bioresonance therapies,” which are advertised on social media and in the media and are presented as capable of treating mental disorders. In a statement, the Association considers it necessary to inform the public about the importance of scientifically evidence-based psychological practice.
“Claims that attribute therapeutic effectiveness to such methods or invoke concepts such as ‘quantum physics’ without reliable scientific evidence may mislead individuals seeking mental health care.”
As explained, bio-resonance is an alternative method that claims to detect and “rebalance” the body’s electromagnetic frequencies.
“At the time of this announcement, it is noted that there is no reliable scientific evidence regarding its mechanism or effectiveness in relation to any psychiatric disorder. Bio-resonance is not included in any clinical guidelines issued by a recognized medical or psychiatric organization, including the American Psychological Association (APA), the European Federation of Psychologists’ Associations (EFPA), and the World Health Organization (WHO).”
It should also be noted that, according to reviews by the Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center and European clinical guidelines, the bioresonance method is based on untested theories and has not been shown to be superior to the placebo effect in any health condition.
“At the same time, there is no clinically validated evidence for its use in psychological disorders, such as panic attacks. Why panic attacks and other disorders cannot be treated with alternative therapies: Panic attacks, agoraphobia, depression, and other psychiatric disorders have specific neurobiological and psychosocial bases and are effectively treated with evidence-based therapeutic approaches, such as Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy and, when indicated based on the individual’s level of functional difficulties, medication.”
The Association demonstrates that “the choice of methods not scientifically substantiated does not cure the disorder but allows symptoms to become chronic and delays the effective help the individual can receive.”
“Furthermore, alternative therapies that are presented as scientific and have unjustifiably high costs are expensive placebos, where the patient spends money and time, while their condition does not substantially improve or even worsens.”
The Cyprus Psychologists’ Association supports exclusively scientifically evidence-based therapies and strongly opposes pseudoscience.
“Evidence-based psychological therapies offer measurable results, transparent methodology, and patient protection. In contrast, the promotion of unproven methods by mental health professionals is a serious ethical issue.”
At the same time, it points out that the Code of Ethics of the Cyprus Psychologists’ Association sets clear rules for how psychologists may present their services to the public.
“Information must be provided in a professional, evidence-based, and responsible manner, rather than through commercial promotional practices that may mislead or create unjustified expectations. For this reason, the Code stipulates that the promotion of services must be based on professional rather than commercial criteria (Chapter X, Article 52), such as testimonials from “satisfied clients” and the offering of free trial services as a means of attracting clients (Chapter X, Article 64), while requiring psychologists to avoid statements or claims that exaggerate the effectiveness of the services they provide (Chapter X, Article 65).’
In this context, the Association urges citizens, before beginning any psychological therapy, to ask the professional whether the method they use is scientifically substantiated and recognized by international organizations, as well as to seek information from authoritative and reliable sources.
The Cyprus Psychologists’ Association remains available to the public to answer questions and provide further clarification on this matter.
