Transcranial Electrical Stimulation in Treatment of Depression A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Ren et al, 2025. Jama Network Open.
Findings This systematic review and meta-analysis of 88 randomized clinical trials (5522 participants) found transcranial direct current stimulation and transcranial alternating current stimulation was associated with positive outcomes among patients with MDD and DPC or DMC, while transcranial random noise stimulation had insufficient evidence. Transcranial direct current stimulation combined with medication showed larger effect sizes in DMC and DPC, with smaller benefits in MDD, while transcranial alternating current stimulation was associated with improved depressive symptoms and response rates in MDD.
Meaning These findings suggest that tES is well-tolerated overall, with only mild to moderate adverse events; future studies should explore how to individualize tES interventions in patients with depression.