Application of Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation in Psychiatry / 신경정신의학

ABSTRACT

Transcranial cranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) is a non-invasive brain stimulation technique that consists of applying a weak current over the scalp to modulate cortical excitability by facilitating or inhibiting ongoing neuronal processes. tDCS is attracting much attention among researchers and clinicians because it has a low risk and low cost, and it is simple to operate, being portable. In this review, the authors provide a summary of developmental history, technical aspects and mechanism of action of tDCS and review the current literature regarding the use of tDCS in psychiatry. Depression was the most extensively researched condition, followed by schizophrenia, substance use disorders, and obsessive-compulsive disorder. Other topics explored were child and adolescent psychiatry. This review suggested that tDCS interventions comprising multiple sessions can alleviate symptoms of several major psychiatric disorders, both acutely and in the long-term and are well tolerated and safe for patients including child and adolescent. Nevertheless, the number of publications regarding tDCS is low and randomized controlled trials are very few. Evidence from large-scale, multi-center randomized controlled trials is required to transition this technique from the laboratory to the clinic. In addition, tDCS parameters such as electrode size, dosage, and location of electrode should be investigated.