Clinical research with transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS): Challenges and future directions

Transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) has been implemented in neuropsychiatric disorders characterized by cognitive impairment. However, methodological heterogeneity challenges conclusive remarks. Through a critical analysis of previous conflicting findings and in the light of current neurobiological models of pathophysiology, we qualitatively assessed the effects of tDCS in neuropsychiatric disorders that share neurobiological underpinnings, as to evaluate whether stimulation can improve cognitive deficits in patients’ cohorts. We performed a systematic review of tDCS studies targeting cognitive functions in mental disorders and pathological cognitive aging. Data from 41 studies, comprising patients with diagnosis of mood disorders, schizophrenia-spectrum disorders, Alzheimer’s disease (AD), and mild cognitive impairment (MCI), were included. Results indicate that tDCS has the capacity to enhance processing speed, working memory, and executive functions in patients with mood and schizophrenia-spectrum disorders. The evidence of a positive effect on general cognitive functioning and memory is either inconclusive in AD, or weak in MCI. Future directions are discussed for developing standardized stimulation protocols and for translating the technique therapeutic potential into effective clinical practice.

Download Full-text

Transcranial direct current stimulation for memory enhancement: from clinical research to animal models

Frontiers in Systems Neuroscience ◽

10.3389/fnsys.2014.00159 ◽

2014 ◽

Vol 8 ◽

Cited By ~ 45

Author(s):

Djamila Bennabi ◽

SolÃ¨ne Pedron ◽

Emmanuel Haffen ◽

Julie Monnin ◽

Yvan Peterschmitt ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Animal Models ◽

Clinical Research ◽

Direct Current ◽

Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation ◽

Memory Enhancement ◽

Direct Current Stimulation

Download Full-text

A critical review of trials of transcranial direct current stimulation and trigeminal nerve stimulation for depression: the issue of treatment-emergent mania

Trends in Psychiatry and Psychotherapy ◽

10.1590/2237-6089-2016-0027 ◽

2017 ◽

Vol 39 (1) ◽

pp. 48-53 ◽

Cited By ~ 4

Author(s):

Pedro Shiozawa ◽

Quirino Cordeiro ◽

Hyong Jin Cho ◽

Alisson Paulino Trevizol ◽

Elisa Brietzke

Keyword(s):

Clinical Research ◽

Trigeminal Nerve ◽

Direct Current ◽

Nerve Stimulation ◽

Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation ◽

Critical Review ◽

Safety Assessment ◽

Controlled Trials ◽

Direct Current Stimulation ◽

Trigeminal Nerve Stimulation

Abstract Objective: This study is a critical review analyzing occurrence of treatment-emergent mania (TEM) related to transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) and trigeminal nerve stimulation (TNS). Method: We present a systematic review of the literature on TEM related to tDCS and TNS treatment for major depressive disorder (MDD), conducted in accordance with the recommendations from Cochrane Group and the PRISMA guidelines. Results: Our search identified few reported episodes of TEM in the literature. In fact, we found 11 trials focused on treatment of MDD (seven controlled trials of tDCS and four trials of TNS, three open label and one controlled). We highlight the need for safety assessment in clinical research settings to establish with precision and in larger samples the risks inherent to the technique under investigation. Conclusion: Safety assessment is of fundamental importance in clinical research. TEM is a very important safety issue in MDD trials. Further and larger controlled trials will help to clarify both the safety and the clinical effects of combinations of pharmacotherapy and tDCS or TNS in daily clinical practice.

Download Full-text