Reuters (2/7, Pittman) reports that using the
selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor antidepressant Zoloft (sertraline)
together with transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) of the brain may
benefit people suffering from moderate to severe major depressive disorder
(MDD), according to a study published online Feb. 6 in JAMA
Psychiatry. While medication or brain stimulation both have some effect on
depression, combining the two treatments for six weeks caused about two-thirds
of the 120 patients in the study to feel much better. On its own, however, tDCS
was about as efficacious as medication alone.
HealthDay (2/7, Reinberg) explains that tDCS
is a "painless treatment" using "a low-intensity electrical
current to stimulate specific parts of the brain. Previously, it has been tested
for various conditions, such as stroke, anxiety, pain and Parkinson's
disease." HealthDay notes that tDCS is currently "not approved by the
US Food and Drug Administration to treat any condition." However,
transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) is approved by the FDA.
MedPage Today (2/7, Phend) reports, "The
weak electrical current applied across large electrodes on the scalp may work
by boosting activity in an area of the brain known to be hypoactive in
depression, with the advantage of not having the same adverse effects and
contraindications as antidepressant drugs, the group pointed out."
Additionally, the device "is relatively inexpensive, so it might be a
'cost-effective alternative for regions with low resources where the prevalence
of major depressive disorder is high, such as most developing nations,' they
added." Nevertheless, the treatment is "less practical" than
taking a capsule and it's unclear "how its results would hold up in the
maintenance phase." Medscape (2/7, Cassels) also covers the story.
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