Maintenance Transcranial Electrical Stimulation for Depression

A Study of Transcranial Electrical Stimulation (TES) as a Maintenance Treatment for Depression

Transcranial electrical stimulation (TES) techniques offer a novel treatment approach for depression and have shown promising efficacy. However, there is no published data to date on their effectiveness as a maintenance treatment. This study will investigate ways of using TES as a maintenance treatment to prevent relapse in depression.

Inclusion Criteria:

• All participants will be ≥ 18 years old.
• Participants must have experienced a significant clinical response, defined as ≥ 50% decrease from baseline scores on the Montgomery Asberg Depression Rating Scale (MADRS).

Exclusion Criteria:

• Inadequate response to acute trial of TES.
• Suicidality.
• Clinically defined neurological disorder or insult.
• Metal in the cranium, skull defects, or skin lesions on scalp (cuts, abrasions, rash) at proposed electrode sites.
• Pregnancy (women of childbearing age will be asked to undergo a urine pregnancy test prior to starting the study).
• Concurrent long acting benzodiazepines, ritalin or dexamphetamine medication.
• Treatment for depression is changed during months 3-9 of the trial.