Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation (tDCS) for Depression during Pregnancy: Results from an Open-Label Pilot Study

Kurzeck, Anna Katharina; Dechantsreiter, Esther; Wilkening, Anja; Kumpf, Ulrike; Nenov-Matt, Tabea; Padberg, Frank und Palm, Ulrich (2021): Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation (tDCS) for Depression during Pregnancy: Results from an Open-Label Pilot Study. In: Brain Sciences, Bd. 11, Nr. 7, 947

Abstract

Introduction: Depression is the most common morbidity during pregnancy. Available first-line therapy options are limited and depressive disorders in pregnant women are often untreated, leading to negative effects on maternal and fetal health. Objectives: The aim of this open-label pilot study is to extend evidence on the use of transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) as a treatment of antenatal depression and to point out options for the use of tDCS in this population. Methods: Six drug-free female patients with major depressive disorder during pregnancy (later than 10th gestational week) were included in this pilot study. Patients were treated with twice-daily tDCS (2 mA, 30 min, anode: F3, cathode: F4) over ten days during inpatient stay (Phase 1) and with once-daily tDCS over 10 days during an optional outpatient stay (Phase 2). Clinical (HAMD-21, BDI) and neuropsychological ratings (Trail Making Test A/B) were performed at baseline, after two and four weeks as well as an obstetric examination. Results: Six right-handed females (23-43 years, 12-33. gestational week) completed Phase 1;four patients additionally joined in Phase 2. tDCS was well tolerated and no adverse effects occurred. Clinical ratings showed an improvement of mean baseline HAMD-21 from 22.50 +/- 7.56 to 13.67 +/- 3.93 after week 2, and to 8.75 +/- 4.99 after week 4. The mean baseline BDI was 26.00 +/- 13.90 and declined to 11.17 +/- 5.46 after week 2, and to 9.25 +/- 3.30 after week 4. Conclusions: Statistically significant changes in HAMD-21 and BDI were observed after Phase 1. One patient achieved remission in terms of HAMD in Phase 1. Although this small-scale study lacks sham control, it shows clinical improvement and absence of adverse events in this critical population.

• Dokumententyp: Zeitschriftenartikel
• Fakultät: Medizin
• Themengebiete: 600 Technik, Medizin, angewandte Wissenschaften > 610 Medizin und Gesundheit
• Sprache: Englisch