Non-invasive electrical brain stimulation as a treatment for depression.

Major depressive disorder is a highly prevalent condition for which the treatment of fi rst resort is often a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI). There is a paucity of evidence about the long-term effects of SSRI use and unpleasant side effects of SSRIs are common. As a result, interest has increased in new and nonpharmacological treatments for depression. Various forms of electrical and magnetic stimulation have been explored as possible interventions. In this study the authors compare the effects of transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) to those of escitalopram for the treatment of unipolar depressive disorder.