Breakthrough Study: At-Home Brain Stimulation Shows Triple Effectiveness in Treating Depression
October 22, 2024After the treatment period, patients in the active tDCS group improved their Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HDRS) scores by an average of 9.41 points, compared to a 7.14-point improvement in the control group.
Additionally, the study excluded patients with severe depression, which may limit the applicability of the results to those with more serious conditions.
A recent study published in Nature Medicine reveals that transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) significantly improves depressive symptoms, suggesting it could become a first-line treatment for depression.
Participants using active tDCS experienced a remission rate of 44.9%, which is three times higher than the 21.8% remission rate observed in the placebo group.
The clinical trial involved 174 adult participants diagnosed with moderate to severe depression, who underwent a 10-week treatment program using tDCS.
During the trial, the treatment group received a mild electric current of 2 milliamperes for 30 minutes, five times a week initially, followed by three sessions per week.
However, the study faced limitations, including potential biases as many patients guessed their treatment status and a lack of diversity in the study population.
This study supports the feasibility of delivering mental health treatments in a home setting, addressing accessibility issues that many face.
Experts stress the importance of exploring safe and effective mental health care options, despite these limitations.
Major depressive disorder is a leading cause of disability worldwide, and current treatments often fail to provide full remission for over a third of patients.
Lead investigator Rodrigo Machado-Vieira noted that the findings represent a significant advancement in the treatment of mood disorders.
Researchers specifically targeted the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex, a brain region linked to decision-making and often less active in individuals suffering from depression.
Summary based on 5 sources
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Sources
Nature • Oct 21, 2024
Brain stimulation at home helps treat depression, long-term trial showsLive Science • Oct 21, 2024
At-home brain stimulation could be promising depression treatment, trial hintsMedical Xpress • Oct 21, 2024
At-home brain stimulation for depression is safe and effective, according to researchNeuroscience News • Oct 21, 2024
Home-Based Brain Stimulation Shows Promise for Treating Depression - Neuroscience News