A double-blind, sham-controlled trial of transcranial direct current stimulation for the treatment of depression

C K Loo; P Sachdev; D Martin; M Pigot; A Alonzo; G S Malhi; Jim Lagopoulos; P Mitchell

doi:10.1017/S1461145709990411

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A double-blind, sham-controlled trial of transcranial direct current stimulation for the treatment of depression

Journal article

Peer reviewed

A double-blind, sham-controlled trial of transcranial direct current stimulation for the treatment of depression

C K Loo, P Sachdev, D Martin, M Pigot, A Alonzo, G S Malhi, Jim Lagopoulos and P Mitchell

International Journal of Neuropsychopharmacology, Vol.13(1), pp.61-69

2010

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1017/S1461145709990411

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Abstract

Clinical trial

depression

safety

transcranial direct current stimulation

Two recent sham-controlled studies found that transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) was an effective treatment for depression. As tDCS is painless, relatively safe and inexpensive, its efficacy in treating depression warrants further investigation. This double-blind, randomized study tested tDCS at the same stimulation parameters as a previous positive study (1 mA current strength, five treatment sessions, active or sham, given on alternate days) in 40 depressed participants. Anodal stimulation was centred over the left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex, with the cathode placed on the lateral aspect of the contralateral orbit. tDCS was continued up to a total of ten active sessions per participant. Mood outcomes were measured by psychiatrist raters blind to treatment condition using the Montgomery-Asberg and other depression rating scales. Psychomotor speed was assessed immediately before and after a single tDCS session and attention, frontal executive function, working memory and verbal learning were assessed after each group of five sessions. Overall depression scores improved significantly over ten tDCS treatments, but there was no between-group difference in the five-session, sham-controlled phase. tDCS was found to be safe, with no adverse effects on neuropsychological function, and only minor side-effects. It is recommended that the efficacy of tDCS in depression be further evaluated over a longer treatment period, using enhanced stimulation parameters. Copyright © 2009 CINP.

Details

Title: A double-blind, sham-controlled trial of transcranial direct current stimulation for the treatment of depression
Authors: C K Loo (Author) - University of New South Wales
P Sachdev (Author) - University of New South Wales
D Martin (Author) - University of New South Wales
M Pigot (Author) - University of New South Wales
A Alonzo (Author) - University of New South Wales
G S Malhi (Author) - University of Sydney
Jim Lagopoulos (Author) - University of Sydney
P Mitchell (Author) - University of New South Wales
Publication details: International Journal of Neuropsychopharmacology, Vol.13(1), pp.61-69
Publisher: Oxford University Press
Date published: 2010
DOI: 10.1017/S1461145709990411
ISSN: 1461-1457
Organisation Unit: University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland; Thompson Institute
Language: English
Record Identifier: 99450099102621
Output Type: Journal article

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Collaboration types: Domestic collaboration
Web Of Science research areas: Clinical Neurology; Neurosciences; Pharmacology & Pharmacy; Psychiatry

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