• Korean Journal of Biological Psychiatry
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• v.24 no.4
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• pp.175-187
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• 2017

Transcranial direct current stimulation (TDCS) is a clinically safe and effective method of delivering weak electric current to modulate cortical activities. And based on the cumulating scientific evidences, the method is recommended to treat major depressive disorder (MDD) and other psychiatric disorders. In this paper, we review the development of TDCS in the rising field of neuromodulation. Then with suggested biochemical and physical mechanism of TDCS, we summarize the reported cases of using TDCS to alleviate major neuropsychiatric disorders. And, in particular, the treatment of MDD is highlighted as an illustrative example of using TDCS. We discuss here the therapeutic potentials of this method in psychiatry. And in closing remarks, we evaluate the current technical limitations and suggest the future directions of this method in both the clinical and research aspects.

• Korean Journal of Biological Psychiatry
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• v.24 no.4
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• pp.167-174
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• 2017

Based on advances in biotechnology and neuroscience, neuromodulation is poised to gain clinical importance as a treatment modality for psychiatric disorders. In addition to old-established electroconvulsive therapy (ECT), clinicians are expected to understand newer forms of neurostimulation, such as deep brain stimulation (DBS), vagus nerve stimulation (VNS), repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS), transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) and transcranial alternating current stimulation (tACS). Given the growing interest in non-invasive neuromodulation technologies, clinicians may seek sufficient information about neuromodulation to inform their clinical practice. A growing literature suggests that applications of non-invasive neuromodulation have evidence particularly for indications where treatments are currently insufficient, such as drug-resistant depression. However, positive neuromodulation studies require replication, and the precise interactions among stimulation, antidepressant medication, and psychotherapy are unknown. Further studies of long-term safety and the impact on the developing brain are needed. Non-invasive neuromodulatory devices could enable more individualized treatment. However, do-it-yourself (DIY) stimulation kits require a better understanding of the effects of more frequent patterns of stimulation and raise concerns about clinical supervision, regulation, and reimbursement. Wide spread enthusiasm for therapeutic potential of neuromodulation in clinical practice settings should be mitigated by the fact that there are still research gaps and challenges associated with non-invasive neuromodulatory devices.