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International Journal of Mental Health and Addiction

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01-04-2017 | Original Article

Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation for the Treatment of Depression: a Comprehensive Review of the Recent Advances

Authors: Ali Yadollahpour, Mostafa Jalilifar, Samaneh Rashidi

Published in: International Journal of Mental Health and Addiction | Issue 2/2017

Abstract

Preclinical and clinical studies have shown promising therapeutic effects of tDCS for treatment of depressive disorders (DDs). However, the clinical applications of the technique are in still in the initial phase. This paper aims to review the therapeutic applications of tDCS for the treatment of DDs, to discuss its safety, and current clinical challenges of the technique. The databases of PubMed (1985–2016), EMBASE (1980–2016), Web of Sciences (1980–2016), and Google Scholar (1980–2016) were searched using the search terms “transcranial direct current stimulation” or “tDCS”, “depressive disorder” or “DD”, “depression”, “safety”, “clinical application”, and “treatment”. Current evidence shows tDCS is effective in reducing depressive symptoms. In addition to the potential clinical utility and minimal adverse-effects of tDCS, it appears to improve cognitive performance. Furthermore, the interesting clinical importance of tDCS is its therapeutic efficacy for both treatment-resistant and non-treatment-resistant patients with mild to moderate depression. tDCS has been reportedly associated with no serious adverse effects with the most frequent adverse effects being headaches, itchiness, and redness at the site of stimulation.

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Title: Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation for the Treatment of Depression: a Comprehensive Review of the Recent Advances
Authors: Ali Yadollahpour
Mostafa Jalilifar
Samaneh Rashidi
Publication date: 01-04-2017
Publisher: Springer US
Published in: International Journal of Mental Health and Addiction / Issue 2/2017
Print ISSN: 1557-1874
Electronic ISSN: 1557-1882
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11469-017-9741-3

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Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation for the Treatment of Depression: a Comprehensive Review of the Recent Advances

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