Comparison of the efficacy of high-definition transcranial direct current stimulation and transcranial magnetic stimulation in the treatment of depression

Abstract

Background

High-definition transcranial direct current stimulation (HD-tDCS) and repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) demonstrate significant potential for improving depressive symptoms and cognitive function; however, their effectiveness varies greatly among individuals. Functional near-infrared spectroscopy enables real-time monitoring of brain function during cognitive tasks in patients with psychiatric disorders.

Methods

A 4-week longitudinal study was conducted involving 61 patients with depression and 26 healthy controls. Patients were randomly assigned to HD-tDCS, rTMS, and antidepressant (AD) groups. Changes in depressive symptoms, adverse event rates, and prefrontal cortical oxyhemoglobin concentrations were assessed.

Result

At week 4, remission rates were 62.5% (15), 61.9% (13), and 62.5% (10) in the HD-tDCS, rTMS, and AD groups, respectively (x² = 0.002, p = 1.000). Response rates were 66.7% (16), 71.4% (15), and 68.8% (11), respectively, with no significant difference between groups (x² = 0.12, p = 0.941). All groups demonstrated significant improvement in depressive symptoms and cognitive function. The rTMS group exhibited a significantly greater decrease in Hamilton Depression Scale score compared with the HD-tDCS and AD groups. After 2 weeks of treatment, patients exhibited improved depressive symptoms and reduced activation during the verbal fluency task. However, these changes were not significantly correlated (r = −0.159 to 0.240, p = 0.121–0.988).

Limitations

All patients had concomitant use of ADs, which may impact near-infrared spectroscopy signaling and have an indeterminate effect on cognition.

Conclusion

HD-tDCS, rTMS, and ADs were equally effective, safe, and well-tolerated. HD-tDCS and rTMS were more effective for working memory, attention, executive functioning, and mood regulation.