title: Current directions in non-invasive low intensity electric brain stimulation for depressive disorder.
abstract: Non-invasive stimulation of the human brain to improve depressive symptoms is increasingly finding its way in clinical settings as a viable form of somatic treatment. Following successful modulation of neural excitability with subsequent antidepressant effects, neural polarization by administrating weak direct currents to the scalp has gained renewed interest. A new wave of basic and clinical studies seems to underscore the potential therapeutic value of direct current stimulation in the treatment of depression. Issues concerning the lack of mechanistic insights into the workings of modifying brain function through neural polarization and how this process translates to its antidepressant properties calls for additional research. The range of its clinical applicability has yet to be established.
authors.forename: Dennis J L G
authors.initials: DJ
authors.lastname: Schutter
authors.affiliation: Department of Neurocognition, Faculty of Psychology and Neuroscience, Maastricht University, Universiteitssingel 40 East, 6229 ER Maastricht, The Netherlands. a.sack@maastrichtuniversity.nl.
authors.forename: Alexander T
authors.initials: AT
authors.lastname: Sack
mesh_terms: D001703:Biophysics; D001921:Brain / Q000502:physiology*; D003866:Depressive Disorder / Q000628:therapy*; D004599:Electric Stimulation Therapy / Q000266:history / Q000379:methods*; D049673:History, 20th Century; D049674:History, 21st Century; D006801:Humans