Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation (tDCS) Studies

Transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) involves the use of very weak currents to stimulate the brain through the scalp. The stimulation is painless with no known serious side effects. Participants are fully awake and alert for the entire duration of the the 30 minute-long treatments

TDCS is currently being investigated as a treatment in our research studies as a treatment for depression and potential alternative to medication and electroconvulsive therapy (ECT).

What does the study involve?

  • Participants would be required to attend the Black Dog Institute for 1 hour every weekday for 4 weeks with the option of additional further treatment

  • Some placebo treatment may be involved but all participants will have the opportunity to receive active treatment

  • Participants will have mood assessments prior to participation in the study and during the study

We are looking for:

  • People aged over 18

  • People who have been experiencing feelings of depression for at least 4 weeks prior to study

  • People able to commit to the trial for at least 4 weeks with the option of additional further treatment, attending usually for 40 minutes every weekday

Participants for this research trial are required to attend the Black Dog Institute in Randwick for 1 hour every weekday for 4 weeks with the option of additional further treatment

If you'd like to know more about tDCS you can watch this episode of ABC Catalyst - Brain Stimulation online, or read our tDCS fact sheet

For more information call 02 9382 2987 or email TMSandDCS@unsw.edu.au.