"Is tDCS Losing its Role in Treating Major Depression?"

A triple-blind, randomized, sham-controlled trial found that transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) does not provide additional benefit when added to selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) therapy for adults with major depressive disorder (MDD). The study showed no difference in improvement in depression scores between active and sham tDCS. While the results question the efficacy of tDCS as an adjunct treatment for MDD, researchers suggest that combining tDCS with specific behavioral or cognitive interventions or personalizing tDCS based on individual MRI-based computational modeling may hold promise. Further research is needed to explore placebo response and individualized treatment options for MDD.