Transcranial direct current stimulation therapy for major depression
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Acceptability and feasibility of transcranial direct current stimulation therapy as a community-based treatment for major depression
IRAS ID
248264
Contact name
Cynthia H.Y. Fu
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
University of East London
Clinicaltrials.gov Identifier
Duration of Study in the UK
2 years, 0 months, 1 days
Research summary
Depression is a prevalent and debilitating disorder. The most common treatments are antidepressant medications and talking therapies. However, for many individuals, these are not their treatment of choice. Furthermore, even following a full course of treatment with an antidepressant or psychotherapy, over one third of patients continue to be unwell.
The novel brain stimulation treatment, transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS), is a potential first-line treatment for major depression. tDCS generates a small electric current which modulates how easy it is for active brain cells to discharge. The device is a neoprene cap worn over the head, and in the cap there are two electrodes, which are small metal discs, where the current comes from. tDCS does not directly stimulate brain cells to cause a seizure like electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) and it does not induce brain cells to discharge like transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS).
Clinical studies have shown that tDCS treatment could help to improve the symptoms of depression. The main side effects have been redness, skin irritation or sensations (itching, tingling or burning) under the electrodes. Less commonly reported side effects include headache or tiredness. tDCS is a portable and safe treatment.
The studies to date have mostly looked at tDCS treatment which has been provided in a research setting. This is a problem because the treatment requires daily sessions for several weeks which could limit whether individuals would be able to go every day. As tDCS is a portable and safe treatment, it could be provided at home.
Our research question is whether we could provide tDCS as a home-based treatment for major depression. The study will include adults with major depression. Each tDCS treatment session is 30 minutes, and participants will have 21 tDCS sessions over 6 weeks which will be supervised by a member of our study team.
REC name
London - Fulham Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
18/LO/1515
Date of REC Opinion
7 Dec 2018
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion