The off-label use, utility and potential value of tDCS in the clinical care of particular neuropsychiatric conditions

Abstract

Transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) has attracted significant attention from patients and clinicians for its potential to elicit therapeutic benefit in a number of neurological and psychiatric conditions, and to facilitate rehabilitation after neurological injury.1 Tested indications include recovery of speech and motor loss following stroke,2 mitigation of various forms of chronic pain,3 and reduction in signs and symptoms of particular types of depressive and anxiety disorders4 (for overview, see Kuo et al., 20145). The mechanisms of transcranial electrical stimulation have been systematically characterized over decades, while the most rigorous clinical trials have considered contexts of use, conditions of test subjects, and ecological variables.6 The appeal of tDCS is its ease of application, cost, and ability to be deployed in a range of wide environments7 (eg in- and out-patient clinics, mobile/field medical units, etc.).