Transcranial direct current stimulation for depression: 3-week, randomised, sham-controlled trial

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Psychiatry
• Neuromodulation

Background:

• Preliminary evidence indicates transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) possesses antidepressant properties.
• Further investigation is warranted to confirm the efficacy of tDCS for treating depression.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the antidepressant efficacy of tDCS in a rigorous double-blind, sham-controlled trial.
• To assess the impact of tDCS on mood and neuropsychological functions.

Main Methods:

• A double-blind, sham-controlled trial involving 64 participants with current depression.
• Participants received anodal tDCS targeting the left prefrontal cortex (2 mA, 15 sessions over 3 weeks).
• Mood and neuropsychological effects were assessed during active and sham treatment phases, followed by an open-label active treatment phase.

Main Results:

• Active tDCS led to significantly greater mood improvement compared to sham treatment (P<0.05).
• Attention and working memory showed significant improvement after a single session of active tDCS.
• No decline in neuropsychological functioning was observed with extended active stimulation; however, one participant with bipolar disorder experienced hypomania.

Conclusions:

• The study confirms the antidepressant efficacy and safety of tDCS, aligning with previous findings.
• Close monitoring for mood switching is recommended when administering tDCS to individuals diagnosed with bipolar disorder.