Electrical brain stimulation at home may help treat depression

One study found that transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) is safer and more effective than other methods, such as transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS).

Up to a third of people with depression do not respond to standard treatments such as antidepressants or psychotherapy. To overcome this, neuroscientist Professor Amanda Ellison at Durham University (UK) and colleagues have proposed a new treatment called tDCS.

Transcranial direct current stimulation delivers a weak electrical current to the brain through electrodes held on the head by a band or strap. This changes the excitability of the brain tissue beneath the electrodes. This reduces excitability in overactive regions and increases excitability in underactive regions, especially those associated with emotion, which may help improve depressive symptoms.

There is a new therapy that effectively treats depression at home. Illustration: Science

tDCS is considered a safer and more effective treatment than other methods. Notably, tDCS also causes significantly fewer side effects than electroconvulsive therapy (ECT), which also sends electrical currents through the brain. ECT is more invasive than tDCS because it requires anesthesia to perform. In contrast, tDCS sends a weak electrical current through two contact points in the brain.

tDCS therapy is performed simply at a frequency of 30 minutes/day, 5 times/week for the first 3 weeks, then gradually reduced to 3 sessions/week for the next 7 weeks. Since these sessions are performed in the patient's own home with remote support, they do not need to see a doctor or nurse.

“Home tDCS therapy is convenient and safe for patients with treatment-resistant depression and is a significant cost-effective treatment,” said Professor Amanda Ellison, as quoted by Science Alert. The home treatment was generally well tolerated. There were only a few reports of adverse reactions, mainly related to irritation around the stimulation site.

Source: https://nld.com.vn/kich-thich-nao-bang-dien-tai-nha-co-the-giup-dieu-tri-tram-cam-196241109205148764.htm