Transcranial direct current stimulation for depression
HAYES, Inc
Record ID 32018000109
English
Authors' recommendations:
Health Problem:
Major depressive disorder (MDD) is a common disorder that can have many severe consequences including social isolation, excessive weight gain, alcohol or drug abuse, difficulty functioning at home and work, and desire to commit suicide. Although many antidepressant medications have been developed for treatment of MDD, these medications may not provide adequate or complete relief and they can have side effects that are usually temporary such as dry mouth, nausea, loose bowel movements, headaches, and insomnia. Technology Description:
Transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) is a noninvasive technique that is being evaluated as a treatment for MDD. During tDCS, conductive pads are adhered to the scalp and a low-intensity electric current stimulates areas of the brain involved in mood regulation. The goal of tDCS is to lessen the duration or severity of depressive episodes. Treatment is given for 20 to 30 minutes per session at 1 to 2 milliamperes (mA) for approximately 10 to 30 sessions over several weeks. Controversy: In comparison with electroconvulsive therapy (ECT), tDCS is safer but it may be much less effective since the intensity of the stimulation is so much lower than the intensity of ECT. The long-term durability of any beneficial effect of tDCS for depression is unclear.
Key Questions:
For the treatment of major depressive disorder (MDD): Does transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) reduce the symptoms of MDD? How does tDCS compare with other treatments for MDD? Is tDCS safe? Have definitive patient selection criteria been established for tDCS?
Details
Project Status:
Completed
Year Published:
2017
URL for published report:
The report may be purchased from:
http://www.hayesinc.com/hayes/crd/?crd=16339
English language abstract:
An English language summary is available
Publication Type:
Not Assigned
Country:
United States
MeSH Terms
- Depression
- Depressive Disorder
- Humans
- Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation
Contact
Organisation Name:
HAYES, Inc.
Contact Address:
157 S. Broad Street, Suite 200, Lansdale, PA 19446, USA. Tel: 215 855 0615; Fax: 215 855 5218
Contact Name:
saleinfo@hayesinc.com
Contact Email:
saleinfo@hayesinc.com
Copyright:
Winifred S. Hayes, Inc
This is a bibliographic record of a published health technology assessment from a member of INAHTA or other HTA producer. No evaluation of the quality of this assessment has been made for the HTA database.