Combining tDCS with Cognitive Emotional Training (CET)
Recently, researchers have been investigating ways to enhance the anti-depressant effects of transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) by combining it with cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) or a cognitive training task. The rationale is that by administering a cognitive activity concurrently, synergistic anti-depressant effects may result. Notably, a recent study administering tDCS in combination with a frontal cognitive task found a longer lasting reduction in depressive symptoms compared to receiving tDCS or doing the cognitive task alone.
This study aims to investigate the effects of transcranial direct current stimulation combined with cognitive training for the treatment of depression. In this trial participants will receive 30 minutes of tDCS 3 times a week, whilst simultaneously performing an online cognitive training task.
You may be eligible to participate if you:
- Are over the age of 18
- Have been experiencing feelings of depression for at least 4 weeks prior to the study
- Are able to commit to the trial for at least 6 weeks, attending for approximately 1 hour, 3 days a week
What is expected of you?
- To answer some questions about your mood
- To perform some tests which assess your cognition
- To attend all 18 sessions of tDCS
- To return for follow-up appointments at 1 month and 3 months after your last session
