Overview
Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation (tDCS) is considered to be a generally safe technique within the currently used parameters of the procedure. There could be mild side effects after the procedure such as itching, burning sensation, skin redness, etc. however, these usually are well-tolerated as well as lasts only until the duration of the sessions. No serious adverse side effects have been reported such as seizures, need for hospitalization, death, or cardiac arrest.
tDCS is especially beneficial as an adjunct form of treatment in depression for people who do not respond well to conventional methods such as medications and psychotherapy. Although it is not as effective as, or meant to be a replacement for medications when it comes to severe depression, it can be beneficial for those patients who either do not prefer pharmacological treatment, or cannot be recommended medications.
In patients with schizophrenia, tDCS has been shown to effectively decrease symptoms of schizophrenia by 30% and enhance various cognitive functioning of the patient which includes facial emotional recognition, self-monitoring, and working memory.
