The Cyprus Psychologists Association has warned that there is no reliable scientific evidence supporting the use of bioresonance in the treatment of mental health disorders and has urged the public to choose only evidence-based therapeutic approaches.
In a statement issued in response to recent media reports and public comments regarding the use of so-called bioresonance for mental health conditions, the association expressed serious concern about the promotion of unproven methods as therapeutic solutions.
According to the association, claims that attribute therapeutic benefits to bioresonance, or invoke concepts such as “quantum physics” without credible scientific backing, may mislead people seeking help for mental health problems.
The association noted that bioresonance is an alternative practice that claims to detect and “rebalance” the electromagnetic frequencies of the human body.
However, it stressed that there is currently no reliable scientific evidence supporting either its proposed mechanism of action or its effectiveness in treating any psychiatric disorder.
It added that bioresonance is not included in the clinical guidelines of recognised international organisations such as the American Psychological Association (APA), the European Federation of Psychologists' Associations (EFPA) and the World Health Organization (WHO).
The association also cited reviews by the Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center and European clinical guidelines, which conclude that the method is based on untested theories and has not been shown to perform better than a placebo in any health condition.
It further noted that there is no clinically validated evidence supporting its use for psychological disorders, including panic attacks.
The association stressed that panic attacks, agoraphobia, depression and other psychiatric conditions have established neurobiological and psychosocial foundations and can be treated effectively using evidence-based approaches such as Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) and, where appropriate and depending on the individual's level of impairment, medication.
According to the statement, reliance on scientifically unproven methods does not treat the underlying disorder and may instead contribute to the persistence of symptoms while delaying access to appropriate care.
The association also warned that alternative therapies marketed as scientific and accompanied by significant financial costs may function as expensive placebos, causing patients to lose valuable time and money without meaningful therapeutic benefit.
The Cyprus Psychologists Association said it supports only treatments grounded in scientific evidence and rejected pseudoscience, arguing that evidence-based psychological interventions provide measurable outcomes, transparent methodologies and greater protection for patients.
It also stated that promoting unproven treatment methods by mental health professionals constitutes “a serious ethical issue.”
The association recalled that its Code of Ethics establishes clear rules regarding the promotion of psychologists' services, requiring public information to be provided in a professional, evidence-based and responsible manner, rather than through marketing practices that may create unjustified expectations.
The code specifies that the promotion of services must be based on professional rather than commercial criteria. It also prohibits practices such as the use of testimonials from “satisfied clients” and the offering of free trial services as a means of attracting clients, while requiring psychologists to avoid statements that exaggerate the effectiveness of their services.
The association concluded by urging members of the public to ask mental health professionals whether the treatment methods they use are scientifically validated and recognised by international bodies before beginning any form of psychological treatment, and to rely only on credible and trustworthy sources of information.
Source: Cyprus Psychologists Association
