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Health

Headset delivers electric current to ease depression at home

A headset that can be worn at home relieves symptoms of depression to a similar degree as antidepressants

By Clare Wilson

29 December 2023

Electrodes can deliver a mild current to the brain, increasing cell activity, which may help to ease symptoms of depression

ArtemisDiana / Alamy

A headset that delivers a low electrical current to the brain at home can relieve symptoms of depression. The approach, called transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS), is effective when used several times a week for half an hour at a time.

Previous trials have shown that the therapy works when people receive it under medical supervision in a clinic or laboratory. Now, a randomised trial has demonstrated that a tDCS headset also reduces depression symptoms…

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