Information for the public
What has NICE said?
What has NICE said?
There is not much good evidence about how well transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) for depression works, particularly how many treatments are needed and how long the effects last. But there are no major safety concerns. It should only be used if extra care is taken to explain the uncertainties and potential risks, and extra steps are put in place to record and review what happens.
What does this mean for me?
Your health professional should fully explain what is involved in having this procedure, and discuss the possible benefits and risks with you. In particular, they should explain the uncertainty about the evidence on how likely it is to improve your symptoms. You should also be told how to find more information about tDCS. You should only be asked if you want this procedure after having this discussion. Your health professional should ask you if details of your procedure can be collected.
Other comments from NICE
NICE said that more research is needed on the effectiveness of tDCS, and how it should be given for best effect.