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Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation tDCS in Mice
Published on: September 23, 2018
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[Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation (tDCS) : psychiatric use]
C Kornreich1, P Cole1, H Kajosch1
1Service de Psychiatrie, C.H.U. Brugmann.
Revue Medicale De Bruxelles
|March 13, 2018
Summary
Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation (tDCS) is a safe brain stimulation technique. While promising for depression, its use by the public for non-therapeutic aims poses health risks due to uncontrolled parameters.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Neurology
- Psychiatry
Background:
- Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation (tDCS) is a noninvasive brain stimulation method.
- It is recognized for its affordability, ease of use, and safety profile.
- tDCS is being explored for various neurological and psychiatric conditions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the current applications and efficacy of tDCS.
- To highlight the potential risks associated with non-therapeutic public use of tDCS devices.
- To emphasize the need for controlled stimulation parameters.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of tDCS applications in psychiatry and neurology.
- Analysis of tDCS efficacy in treating depression, chronic pain, and cognitive decline.
- Examination of the implications of widespread, unregulated tDCS device usage.
Main Results:
- tDCS shows probable efficacy in treating depression.
- Evidence for efficacy in other indications like chronic pain and cognitive decline requires further confirmation.
- Low-cost tDCS devices are accessible online and used for non-therapeutic purposes, such as enhancing video gaming performance.
Conclusions:
- The therapeutic potential of tDCS is significant but requires more research for several indications.
- Widespread public access to tDCS devices without proper guidance presents a public health concern.
- Lack of control over stimulation parameters (localization, duration, intensity) in non-medical use can lead to potential hazards.
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