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Multichannel tDCS with advanced targeting for major depressive disorder: a tele-supervised at-home pilot study
Giulio Ruffini1, Ricardo Salvador1, Francesca Castaldo1
1Brain Modeling Department, Neuroelectrics Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain.
Frontiers in Psychiatry
|August 30, 2024
Summary
Home-based transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) for major depressive disorder (MDD) showed significant antidepressant effects and was safe and feasible. This remotely supervised treatment offers a promising avenue for managing depression.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Psychiatry
- Medical Devices
Background:
- Transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) over the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC) shows potential for treating depression.
- Major depressive disorder (MDD) is a prevalent condition with ongoing needs for effective treatments.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the feasibility and safety of remotely supervised, multichannel tDCS delivered at home for MDD.
- To explore the antidepressant efficacy of this home-based tDCS protocol.
Main Methods:
- An open-label, multicenter study involving 35 MDD patients.
- Participants received 37 at-home multichannel tDCS sessions over 8 weeks, with remote supervision.
- Efficacy was measured by the change in Montgomery-Asberg Depression Rating Scale (MADRS) scores.
Main Results:
- High compliance (85% completed all sessions) and no observed adverse effects.
- A median MADRS score reduction of 64.5% was observed 4 weeks post-treatment.
- A response rate of 72.7% (≥50% MADRS improvement) was achieved.
Conclusions:
- Remotely supervised, home-based multichannel tDCS is a safe and feasible treatment for MDD.
- The observed antidepressant efficacy warrants further investigation in controlled clinical trials.
