Journal of Affective Disorders
Volume 117, Issue 3 , Pages 137-145, October 2009

Transcranial direct current stimulation: A new tool for the treatment of depression?

  • Abraham P. Arul-Anandam

      Affiliations

    • School of Psychiatry, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia
    • ,
  • Colleen Loo

      Affiliations

    • School of Psychiatry, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia
    • Black Dog Institute, St George Hospital, Sydney, Australia
    • Corresponding Author InformationCorresponding author. Black Dog Institute, Prince of Wales Hospital, Barker St, Randwick, 2031, Australia. Tel.: +61 2 9382 3721; fax: +61 2 9382 8208.

Received 15 December 2008; received in revised form 16 January 2009; accepted 16 January 2009.

Abstract 

Transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) is a non-invasive brain stimulation technique that applies mild (typically 1–2 mA) direct currents via the scalp to enhance or diminish neuronal excitability. The technique has a dual function: on the one hand, it has been used to investigate the functions of various cortical regions; on the other, it has been used as an experimental treatment modality, most notably for Major Depressive Disorder (MDD). With the growing utility of tDCS in psychiatry, it is important from the vantage of safety and effectiveness to understand its underlying neurobiological mechanisms. In this respect, researchers have made significant progress in recent years, highlighting changes in resting membrane potential, spontaneous neuronal firing rates, synaptic strength, cerebral blood flow and metabolism subsequent to tDCS. We briefly review tDCS clinical trials for MDD, and then consider its mechanisms of action, identifying potential avenues for future research.

Keywords: Transcranial direct current stimulation, Major depressive disorder, Brain stimulation, Polarisation, Anodal stimulation

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PII: S0165-0327(09)00035-4

doi:10.1016/j.jad.2009.01.016

Journal of Affective Disorders
Volume 117, Issue 3 , Pages 137-145, October 2009

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