Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation: Mechanisms and Psychiatric Applications

Daniel L Kenney-Jung; Caren J Blacker; Deniz Doruk Camsari; Jonathan C Lee; Charles P Lewis

doi:10.1016/j.chc.2018.07.008

Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation: Mechanisms and Psychiatric Applications

Child Adolesc Psychiatr Clin N Am. 2019 Jan;28(1):53-60. doi: 10.1016/j.chc.2018.07.008. Epub 2018 Aug 28.

Authors

Daniel L Kenney-Jung¹, Caren J Blacker², Deniz Doruk Camsari², Jonathan C Lee³, Charles P Lewis⁴

Affiliations

¹ Department of Neurology, University of Minnesota, 420 Delaware Street SE, MMC 295, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA.
² Department of Psychiatry and Psychology, Division of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Mayo Clinic, 200 First Street SW, Rochester, MN 55905, USA.
³ Temerty Centre for Therapeutic Brain Intervention, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, 1001 Queen Street W, Toronto, ON M6J 1H4, Canada; Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, 250 College Street, Toronto, ON M5T 1R8, Canada.
⁴ Department of Psychiatry and Psychology, Division of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Mayo Clinic, 200 First Street SW, Rochester, MN 55905, USA. Electronic address: [email protected].

PMID: 30389076
DOI: 10.1016/j.chc.2018.07.008

Abstract

Transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) involves the application of weak electric current to the scalp. tDCS may influence brain functioning through effects on cortical excitability, neural plasticity, and learning. Evidence in adults suggests promising therapeutic applications for depression, and the adverse effect profile is generally mild. Early research indicates complex interactions between tDCS and concurrent cognitive and motor tasks. Further investigation is warranted to understand how tDCS impacts processes relevant to psychiatric conditions.

Keywords: Applications; Mechanisms; Neuromodulation; Noninvasive brain stimulation; Transcranial direct current stimulation.

Publication types

Review

MeSH terms

Adult
Brain / physiopathology
Humans
Mood Disorders / therapy*
Neuronal Plasticity*
Psychiatry
Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation / adverse effects*
Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation / methods*