The cognitive function effects of prefrontal tDCS for depression: a system review

Abstract

Background:Depression is accompanied by cognitive control defects. Transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) has been found to be a promising non-invasive treatment for depression. Studies have explored whether tDCS can improve cognitive function in patients with depression, but the results were not consistent.Methods:The study summarized the relevant evidence from sham-controlled randomized controlled trials (RCTs) whether prefrontal tDCS improves cognitive function in patients with depression.Results:Seventeen sham-controlled studies were selected from 252 papers. Systematic analysis shows that the prefrontal tDCS has a promising prospect in the working memory and emotion process of depression patients; however, there is insufficient evidence to support the reliable influence of tDCS on psychomotor speed, learning, speech process, and overall cognitive function.Conclusions:Our review shows that the prefrontal tDCS has positive effects on working memory and emotion processes, but has limited impact on other cognitive functions.

Keywords

• cognitive function
• depression
• transcranial direct current stimulation (tdcs)
• prefrontal cortex