Author Interviews, Bipolar Disorder, Depression, JAMA / 01.01.2018
Transcranial Stimulation Has Potential as Add-On Therapy For Bipolar Depression
MedicalResearch.com Interview with:
Andre Russowsky Brunoni, MD, PhD
Coordinator, Service of Interdisciplinary Neuromodulation, Laboratory of Neurosciences Department and Institute of Psychiatry
Coordinator, Interdisciplinary Center for Applied Neuromodulation, University Hospital
University of São Paulo
São Paulo, Brasil
MedicalResearch.com: What is the background for this study? What are the main findings?
Response: In this study, our aim was to evaluate the safety and efficacy of transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) as an add-on treatment for patients with bipolar depression. There are a only few treatment alternatives for bipolar depression, which often have important side effects. Thus, we wanted to evaluate the efficacy of this non-pharmacological treatment.
We found that active vs. sham tDCS effected greater response and remission for patients with bipolar depression. The frequency of adverse effects was similar, including treatment-emergent affective switches. However, higher rates of skin redness were observed in the active group.
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