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Updated: Feb 3, 2026
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Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation tDCS in Mice
Published on: September 23, 2018
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Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation: Mechanisms and Psychiatric Applications
Daniel L Kenney-Jung1, Caren J Blacker2, Deniz Doruk Camsari2
1Department of Neurology, University of Minnesota, 420 Delaware Street SE, MMC 295, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA.
Child and Adolescent Psychiatric Clinics of North America
|November 4, 2018
Summary
Transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) uses weak electrical currents to modulate brain activity. Research in adults shows potential for treating depression with generally mild side effects, though more study is needed for psychiatric applications.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Neuromodulation
- Cognitive Science
Background:
- Transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) applies weak electrical currents to the scalp.
- tDCS may influence cortical excitability, neural plasticity, and learning.
- Adult studies suggest therapeutic potential for depression with a mild adverse effect profile.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore the impact of tDCS on brain functioning.
- To investigate the therapeutic applications of tDCS in adults, particularly for depression.
- To understand the complex interactions between tDCS and cognitive/motor tasks.
Main Methods:
- Application of weak electric current to the scalp.
- Assessment of effects on cortical excitability, neural plasticity, and learning.
- Review of existing evidence in adult populations.
Main Results:
- tDCS shows promising therapeutic applications for depression in adults.
- The adverse effect profile of tDCS is generally mild.
- Complex interactions exist between tDCS and concurrent cognitive and motor tasks.
Conclusions:
- tDCS is a potential non-invasive neuromodulation technique.
- Further research is necessary to elucidate tDCS's impact on processes relevant to psychiatric conditions.
- Understanding tDCS interactions is crucial for its clinical application.
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