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A recent study led by the University of Florida has revealed promising results for the treatment of depression and anxiety among older adults using a noninvasive brain stimulation technique. Published in the journal Brain Stimulation, the research demonstrates that transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) led to significant improvements in depression and anxiety symptoms, particularly among participants who reported higher levels of symptoms before treatment.
Dr. Adam Woods, the senior author of the study, highlights the importance of finding accessible and noninvasive options for treating depression and anxiety in older adults, given their impact on mental health, cognitive function, and overall well-being. With approximately 1 in 4 older adults affected by these conditions, the need for effective treatment options is pressing.
The tDCS treatment involves the safe delivery of weak electrical currents through electrodes placed on the head, targeting the prefrontal cortex of the brain, which is associated with cognition and emotion regulation. In the study, participants received either 12 weeks of tDCS paired with cognitive training or a placebo version of tDCS paired with cognitive training.
Results showed significant improvements in mild depression and moderate to severe state anxiety among participants who received the tDCS treatment compared to those who did not. Even participants with subclinical depression and anxiety, whose symptoms may not meet diagnostic criteria, experienced benefits from the treatment.
Lead author Hanna Hausman emphasizes the unexpected yet welcome surprise of witnessing similar effects in older adults without significant psychiatric histories. The therapeutic effect observed in the study suggests the potential of tDCS as a treatment option, even for individuals with milder symptoms.
Moving forward, the researchers advocate for further investigation through a phase 3 randomized clinical trial to assess the effect of tDCS and cognitive training on anxiety among a larger and more diverse group of older adults. With the Korea Food and Drug Administration already approving tDCS as an at-home treatment for depression in South Korea, there is potential for its widespread use in the United States pending FDA approval.
The cost-effectiveness, portability, and potential for at-home self-administration make tDCS a promising intervention for individuals who may face barriers to accessing traditional clinical care. As research in this area continues to evolve, tDCS could become a valuable addition to existing mental health therapies, offering hope for improved outcomes and enhanced quality of life for older adults experiencing depression and anxiety.
