Modulation of electrophysiology by transcranial direct current stimulation in psychiatric disorders: A systematic review

Minah Kim, Yoo Bin Kwak, Tae Young Lee, Jun Soo Kwon

Research output: Contribution to journalReview articlepeer-review

11 Scopus citations

Abstract

Objective Transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) is a non-invasive neuromodulation technique increasingly used to relieve symptoms of psychiatric disorders. Electrophysiologic markers, such as electroencephalography (EEG) and event-related potentials (ERP), have high temporal resolution sensitive to detect plastic changes of the brain associated with symptomatic improvement following tDCS application. Methods We performed systematic review to identify electrophysiological markers that reflect tDCS effects on plastic brain changes in psychiatric disorders. A total of 638 studies were identified by searching PubMed, Embase, psychINFPO. Of these, 21 full-text articles were assessed eligible and included in the review. Results Although the reviewed studies were heterogeneous in their choices of tDCS protocols, targeted electrophysiological markers, and disease entities, their results strongly support EEG/ERPs to sensitively reflect plastic brain changes and the associated symptomatic improvement following tDCS. Conclusion EEG/ERPs may serve a potent tool in revealing the mechanisms underlying psychiatric symptoms, as well as in localizing the brain area targeted for stimulation. Future studies in each disease entities employing consistent tDCS protocols and electrophysiological markers would be necessary in order to substantiate and further elaborate the findings of studies included in the present systematic review.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)434-444
Number of pages11
JournalPsychiatry Investigation
Volume15
Issue number5
DOIs
StatePublished - May 2018

Keywords

  • Brain plasticity
  • Electrophysiology
  • Neuromodulation
  • Psychiatric disorders
  • Transcranial direct current stimulation

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