Current landscape of newer non-invasive brain stimulation in psychiatric disorders across South Asia

Non-invasive brain stimulation (NIBS) has been an increasingly used therapeutic modality for neuropsychiatric disorders in recent decades. This review attempts to discuss the extent of use (availability of facility, indications of use, amount of research) of various newer NIBS techniques in the management of psychiatric disorders in the South Asian countries till date (i.e., 2025). In South Asia, particularly in India, there has been a notable rise in the use of NIBS treatment methods. Among these, the most prominent techniques are Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (rTMS) and Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation (tDCS), both of which demonstrate encouraging results with minimal side effects. Over the past decades, research into non-invasive neuromodulation has expanded significantly, although it remains predominantly centered in India. This growing body of evidence underscores the potential of these techniques to transform the treatment landscape for psychiatric conditions, offering a hope for patients seeking alternatives to conventional therapies. As interest in neuromodulation continues to grow, the future seems promising for the integration of these advanced modalities into clinical practice.