Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation (tDCS) Therapy in Major Depression

Transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS), a noninvasive neuromodulation technique, applied to the left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC) can reduce depressive symptoms and improve cognitive control in major depressive disorder (MDD). Such findings suggest modulation of top down prefrontal-limbic circuits, which are functionally distinct from ventro-limbic networks and include reciprocally connected DLPFC and dorsomedial anterior cingulate cortex (dACC). However, substantial variation in tDCS response is observed in MDD. This may be due to imprecise stimulation protocols and suboptimal engagement of the neural circuits mediating antidepressant response. Methods that optimize electrode placement and account for individual variation in anatomy and that map current flow directly in the brain may inform the mechanisms and potential clinical utility of tDCS. A new tDCS technique, high definition (HD) tDCS, offers more focal stimulation than conventional tDCS (C-tDCS). The degree to which C-tDCS or HD-tDCS engage dorsal prefrontal-limbic neural circuits is unknown, yet is vital for understanding, confirming and subsequently improving possible therapeutic effects. Innovative MRI techniques that are able to map tDCS currents in vivo and that track changes in regional cerebral blood flow occurring with tDCS over time can provide direct evidence of neural effects. Based on a) theoretical modeling of tDCS current flow, b) studies showing hypo-metabolism, decreased CBF or activity in dorsal prefrontal-limbic networks, c) modulation of these regions with treatment, and, c) our prior results showing significant relationships in between change in dACC rCBF and clinical response to electroconvulsive therapy (ECT), an established brain stimulation treatment, we will test for the tDCS engagement and modulation of the DLPFC and dACC using tDCS current mapping performed in vivo and perfusion MRI. MRI-guided neuronavigation will be used to optimize and standardize electrode placement for DLPFC stimulation.

In this trial, using HD-tDCS that optimal target engagement of DLPFC and larger rCBF changes in the DLPFC and dACC compared to C-tDCS in the first part of the trial, we will define relationships between target engagement and change in mood and behavior. Patients with moderate to severe MDD (N=100, n=50 in each group) will be randomized to Active or Sham left anodal DLPFC HD-tDCS. Patients will complete MRI scans including tDCS current mapping and pCASL as well as two functional imaging tasks probing cognitive control and emotion negativity bias, recruiting prefrontal-limbic circuitry, before and after completing a 12-day trial of 20-minute tDCS sessions.

Inclusion criteria

• Capacity to provide informed consent;
• Meet DSM-5 criteria for a moderate-to-severe MDE, with Hamilton Rating Scale for Depression (HAMD) score of ≥14 and <24;
• Treatment naïve or on a stable standard antidepressant regimen (including selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), serotonin-noradrenaline reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs), monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MOAIs) or tricyclic's (TCAs)) with no change in treatment 6-weeks prior to and during the tDCS intervention;
• Live within traveling distance to the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA);
• Must refrain from making drastic hair-style changes throughout duration of study

Exclusion criteria

• Non-English speaking;
• Schizophrenia Axis I disorder;
• Primary anxiety disorder;
• Bipolar I disorder and psychotic disorders;
• Any neurological condition or major illness, including seizure disorder;
• Diagnosis of dementia of any type;
• Co-morbid substance abuse in the last three months;
• Contraindications to MR scanning (including pregnancy);
• Contraindications to tDCS (e.g., skin disease or treatment causing irritation);
• Treatment-resistant depression, with a history of a major depressive episode lasting > 2 years or failure to 2 or more antidepressant trials in the current episode;
• Any neuromodulation therapy (e.g., ECT, rTMS, DBS, VNS, or tDCS) within the last 3 months;
• Active suicidality;
• Current or past (within the last 1-month) use of anticonvulsants, lithium, psychostimulants, or dexamphetamine;
• Current use of decongestants or other medication previously shown to interfere with cortical excitability;
• Currently receiving any form of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, or Acceptance and Commitment Therapy