Depression is an emotional disorder that continues to affect an increasing number of people worldwide.
According to recent estimates, around 280 million people experience this problem, which represents a remarkable increase of 18% in the last decade.
Traditionally, the treatment of depression has relied on the administration of medication, psychotherapy, or a combination of both. However, a new therapeutic alternative has emerged, offering hope for those who have not found relief in conventional methods.
Effective strategies to improve depression The Innovation of tDCS at Home
A study conducted by King’s College London has explored a non-invasive form of brain stimulation known as transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS). This technique can be self-administered at home using a device similar to a swimming cap.
tDCS applies a gentle electric current through electrodes placed on the scalp, stimulating areas of the brain related to mood regulation.
The study, which was published in
Nature Medicine, showed that participants who used this treatment for 10 weeks experienced a notable improvement in their depression symptoms.
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Promising Results
During the clinical trial, researchers focused on the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex, a brain region that typically shows lower activity in people with depression.
Participants who received active stimulation with tDCS were nearly twice as likely to achieve remission of their symptoms compared to the control group, reaching a remission rate of 44.9%.
This breakthrough suggests that tDCS could become a first-line treatment for depression, especially for those who do not respond to conventional treatments.
Towards a Personalized Future
Although the results are encouraging, not all patients respond in the same way to tDCS. Future research will focus on understanding why this treatment is effective for some people and not for others, with the aim of personalizing doses and optimizing results.
The possibility for each individual to receive a treatment tailored to their specific needs opens a new path in the management of depression.
Experts are confident that, with more research, tDCS will become a valuable tool in clinical practice, offering a ray of hope to those struggling with this challenging disorder.