Transcranial direct current stimulation, or tDCS, is an alternative psychological treatment primarily targeting depressive symptoms. tDCS delivers a direct electrical current to the scalp via electrodes placed on key areas of the skull corresponding to different regions of the brain. Related treatments include transcranial alternating current stimulation (tACS) and transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS). These treatments are becoming popular as alternatives to psychotropic medications because they have fewer side effects and results may be felt as early as 3 weeks after beginning treatment. Over 30 clinical trials have investigated the effectiveness of tDCS for treating depression and other forms of mental illness, as well as effects on pain reduction, stroke, Parkinson’s symptoms, attention, and memory. New home-based tDCS devices have piqued public interest in this alternative treatment as it is now more affordable and can be done outside of a clinic.
In my next post, I will present evidence from recently published meta-analyses testing its effectiveness at treating depression.
©Jennie Dilworth, Ph.D