Synergistic Approach: Photobiomodulation, Neuromodulation, and Drug Therapy in Neuropsychiatry. A Promising Strategy to Enhance PBM Adoption and Neurotherapy Efficacy

Abstract

Photobiomodulation (PBM) is an effective method for treating neuropsychiatric diseases, yet its universal acceptance and utilization remain constrained. In this Letter to the Editor/Expert Opinion, we address the challenges confronting PBM researchers and pioneers, striving to establish universal confidence in its exclusive application for neuropsychiatric patient care. Despite encouraging animal experiments and selecting positive human clinical trial outcomes, PBM’s widespread acceptance of PBM is hindered by factors including limited clinical studies and clashes with established therapies, such as drug therapy and psychotherapy. To overcome these obstacles and broaden PBM’s adoption and application of PBM in neuropsychiatry, we propose a combinatorial therapy approach. By integrating PBM with interventions such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) or drug therapy, a cumulative effect can be attained, benefiting both patients and therapists. Patients gain access to diverse treatment options and experience synergistic effects of combined therapies, thereby enhancing outcomes. Therapists benefit from expanded intervention choices and improved quality of patient care. This study introduces a novel strategy of amalgamating PBM with recognized interventions, such as CBT and drug therapy, to address existing challenges. This combined approach offers a practical solution to augment PBM acceptance and usage in the realm of neuropsychiatry. To endorse this strategy, a shift in the research direction is imperative. Future studies should investigate the amalgamated use of PBM with other neurointerventions, such as CBT or drug therapy. Robust clinical trials contrasting groups like “PBM + CBT” and “PBM (sham) + rTMS” are vital to persuade clinicians and patients toward embracing combined PBM therapies. Although PBM’s eventual autonomy as a neuropsychiatric treatment is an overarching goal, the present combination therapy approach proves practical, inevitable, and mutually beneficial. By bridging conventional therapies with PBM, this strategy may facilitate wider acceptance and utilization in neuropsychiatry.