Abstract

Abstract

Overview

Noninvasive neuromodulation therapies are emerging as a crucial option for the treatment of major depressive disorder (MDD) and treatment-resistant depression (TRD). These treatments apply electrical or magnetic stimulation transcarnially to influence brain activity.

Findings

• The review covers several therapies including electroconvulsive therapy (ECT), transcranial magnetic stimulation, magnetic seizure therapy, and transcranial direct current stimulation.
• These therapies are known to alleviate symptoms in acute and chronic cases of MDD and TRD and are recognized for their antidepressant and neurocognitive effects.
• There is, however, still a lack of definitive understanding of their mechanisms of action, yet they differ in their methods of modulating brain neurocircuitry.

Conclusion

The review emphasizes the necessity for ongoing research to refine these therapies’ dosimetry and administration protocols. It suggests a need for integrating noninvasive neuromodulation with other antidepressant strategies to enhance their safety and therapeutic effectiveness.