Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation as Home Treatment in Depression

GleichStrom UND Depression: Anwendung zu Hause Ohne Anreise Zur Medbo (Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation and Depression: Home Treatment)

In this one-armed study the feasibility and effectiveness of a home treatment with transcranial direct currect stimulation in depression will be investigated.

In this one-armed study at least 10 patients with depression will be included who will get treatment with transcranial direct currect stimulation at home. One visit in the hospital before and one visit after the treatment are necessary. The correct application of the device by the patients will be ensured by video counseling and monitoring. Treatment will last six weeks with 2 mA applied every working day for 20min with prefrontal montage.

Aim of the study is the evaluation of the feasibility of this home treatment (usability of the device, compliance of patients, usability of the video contacts), the effectiveness (clinical ratings) and the tolerability of this treatment.

Inclusion Criteria:

• depressive episode according to ICD-10
• moderate depression according to clinical impression or Hamilton depression rating scale
• gender: all sexes
• age: 18-70 years
• stable medication if possible
• no or stable treatment of depression
• residence in Germany and mother language German
• written informed consent

Exclusion Criteria:

• contraindications for transcranial direct current stimulation
• neurological conditions
• participiation in another study
• pregnancy and lactation period