Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation for the Treatment of Major Depressive Disorder

Transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) is a noninvasive brain stimulation modality, indicated for the treatment of diverse neuropsychiatric disorders, such as major depressive disorder (MDD). The procedure consists of the application of a weak electrical current to the brain, using sponge-covered and saline-humidified electrodes placed over the scalp, thereby modulating underlying neuronal networks. TDCS is considered a safe and well-tolerated technique and, due to its additional portability and low cost, can be used in home settings. We provide basic and step-by-step instructions on how to perform a tDCS session for the treatment of MDD, using a protocol that has been extensively studied and validated in previous clinical trials. We also present the neuroConn DC-Stimulator-Plus tDCS device (neuroConn, Ilmenau, Germany), with instructions for the assemblage and utilization of the equipment, and the Beam F3 method for reliable and reproducible localization of stimulation targets. General practical advice and specific challenges regarding the procedure are covered in Subheading 4.