Psychiatry

Transcranial Electrical Stimulation in Treatment of Depression: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Ethan Littlefield

05 Jul 2025 — 1 min read

PMCID: PMC12177679

PMID: 40531534

DOI: 10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2025.16459

Journal: JAMA network open

Publication Date: 2025-6-18

Authors: Ren C, Pagali SR, Wang Z, Kung S, Boyapati RB, et al.

Key Points

tDCS combined with medication showed significant improvement in depression with comorbid conditions
tACS demonstrated improved depressive symptoms in MDD, with response rates varying by stimulation parameters
Electrode placement and stimulation intensity are critical factors in treatment efficacy, warranting individualized approach

Summary

This comprehensive systematic review and meta-analysis examined the efficacy of transcranial electrical stimulation (tES) techniques in treating major depressive disorder (MDD) and depression with comorbid psychiatric and medical conditions. Analyzing 88 randomized clinical trials involving 5,522 participants, the study revealed nuanced findings about different tES modalities, with transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) and transcranial alternating current stimulation (tACS) showing promising therapeutic potential.

The research demonstrated that tDCS combined with medication produced larger effect sizes in depression with medical and psychiatric comorbidities, with more modest benefits in MDD. Notably, tACS was associated with improved depressive symptoms and response rates in MDD patients. The meta-analysis also highlighted the overall tolerability of tES interventions, with predominantly mild to moderate adverse events, suggesting potential as an adjunctive or alternative treatment strategy for depression.

Status and associated factors of psychological resilience of Chinese medical aid team members under public health emergencies in a cross-sectional study

PMCID: PMC12173397 PMID: 40526630 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0324952 Journal: PloS one Publication Date: 2025-6-17 Authors: Wei X, Liang Y, Huang J Key Points * Psychological resilience is significantly influenced by professional experience, family support, and cultural adaptation * 53.9% of CMATMs reported experiencing loneliness, which negatively impacted psychological resilience

Structured light imaging mesoscopy: detection of embedded morphological changes in superficial tissues

PMCID: PMC12175002 PMID: 40534904 DOI: 10.1117/1.JBO.30.6.065001 Journal: Journal of biomedical optics Publication Date: 2025-6-18 Authors: Parsanasab M, Mehendale AM, Karrobi K, Roblyer D, Venugopalan V Key Points * SLIM provides a novel, non-invasive method for detecting subsurface tissue microstructural changes * Optimal imaging parameters vary significantly

Experimental evolution of a pathogen confronted with innate immune memory increases variation in virulence

PMCID: PMC12176410 PMID: 40532126 DOI: 10.1371/journal.ppat.1012839 Journal: PLoS pathogens Publication Date: 2025-6-18 Authors: Korša A, Baur M, Schulz NK, Anaya-Rojas JM, Mellmann A, et al. Key Points * Immune priming creates selective pressure that increases pathogen virulence variability without compromising host defense mechanisms * 96.6% probability of

Long‐Term or Recurrent Antibiotic Use in Early Life and the Risk of Type 2 Diabetes: A Population‐Based Prospective Cohort and a Case–Control Study

PMCID: PMC12176498 PMID: 40533417 DOI: 10.1111/1753-0407.70113 Journal: Journal of diabetes Publication Date: 2025-6-18 Authors: Li Z, He Q, He X, Xing X, Fu S, et al. Key Points * Long-term or recurrent antibiotic use during childhood may significantly increase type 2 diabetes risk * 26% higher hazard ratio for