The effectiveness of transcranial direct-current stimulation on reducing depression among the nonclinical population

Depression is the most common mental disorder. Transcranial direct-current stimulation is a new treatment for depression.

This study aimed to determine the effectiveness of transcranial direct-current stimulation on reducing depression among the non-clinical population.

The study was carried out using quasi-experimental method along with pre-test and post-test, a control group and one follow-up stage. The statistical population was students of the Farhangian University of Zanjan in 2019 out of which 45 subjects were selected by purposive random sampling and replaced randomly in 3 groups with 15 members, including transcranial direct-current stimulation group, sham group, and control group. The groups were assessed using the Beck Depression Inventory in the pre-test, post-test, and follow-up stages. Research data were analyzed by a statistical covariance method using SPSS software version 21.

The results showed that depression scores in the experimental group (Transcranial direct current stimulation) had a significant decrease in the stages of post-test (F=20.883, P<0.01) and follow-up (F=14.761, P<0.01). There was no significant difference in the sham and control groups. Comparison of the means showed that the group of transcranial direct-current stimulation in the post-test and follow-up stage had a lower score than the other groups.

Transcranial direct-current stimulation is effective in reducing depression among the non-clinical population. Therapists and specialists can consider the practical implications of transcranial direct-current stimulation on reducing depressive symptoms.