Overview of transcranial brain stimulation

What Is Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation (tDCS)?

Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation (tDCS) is a non-invasive neuromodulatory treatment that uses constant, low electrical current to modulate brain activity. Electrodes are placed on your scalp to deliver gentle current to targeted areas in the brain, which either inhibit or stimulate brain activity. Unlike other forms of intense brain stimulation techniques, tDCS uses low current that causes minimal discomfort. People who have undergone tDCS generally describe the feeling as mild tingling.

How Does tDCS Work?

  • Understanding the Science Behind tDCS : Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation (tDCS) uses low-intensity electrical currents to stimulate specific regions of your brain. By modulating the activity in targeted areas, tDCS can help influence neural pathways linked to mood, cognition, and behaviour. This non-invasive technique is often used as a complementary approach in mental health treatments, aiming to improve symptoms for conditions such as Depression, Anxiety, and more by gently adjusting the activity patterns of your brain.
  • Procedure and What to Expect : During tDCS, you sit comfortably in a chair as a psychiatrist or a technician carefully positions electrodes on specific areas of the scalp. These electrodes deliver a low, controlled electrical current, targeting particular brain regions to modulate neural activity.

Benefits of tDCS

  • Non-Invasive and Drug-Free : tDCS is a non-invasive procedure that doesn’t require medications, making it an attractive alternative if you are looking for drug-free treatment options for mental health and cognitive disorders. It stimulates your brain activity without surgery or injections.
  • Cognitive Enhancement Potential : Research shows that tDCS can enhance cognitive functions such as memory, focus, and learning, making it a promising tool for people seeking improvements in mental clarity, attention, and mental processing speeds.
  • Safe and Well-Tolerated : tDCS is considered safe and well-tolerated for most people, with minimal risk of adverse effects. Sessions are generally painless with a slight tingling feeling, and side effects are rare, making it an ideal option for long-term use.
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Conditions Treated with tDCS

Depression and Mood Disorders

tDCS can offer symptom relief for Depression and other mood disorders by targeting and stimulating specific areas of the brain associated with emotional regulation, helping improve mood stability and reduce symptoms.

Enhancing Cognitive Function

In Cognitive Therapy, tDCS is used to boost cognitive functions such as memory, attention, and problem-solving skills, offering potential benefits for people experiencing cognitive decline or those seeking improvement in their mental performance.

Pain Management

tDCS can also assist in managing chronic pain by altering pathways of pain perception in the brain, providing you relief if you are dealing with long-term pain conditions.

Stroke Rehabilitation

For people dealing with stroke, tDCS may aid in rehabilitating motor functions by enhancing neuroplasticity and helping to regain mobility and motor control over time.

Anxiety and Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)

By targeting areas of your brain involved in anxiety response, tDCS can help alleviate symptoms of Anxiety and PTSD, offering a potential non-invasive approach to support traditional therapies.

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tDCS for Home Use

Can You Use tDCS at Home?

Yes, tDCS devices for home use are available. However, you must consult a healthcare provider for guidance to ensure proper application and to avoid misuse. Home use can offer convenience and flexibility in your treatment.

Safety Guidelines for Home tDCS Use

When using tDCS, you need to follow safety protocols, such as ensuring device calibration, using it for recommended durations, and avoiding misuse to prevent possible side effects. Always consult your doctor before starting home treatment.

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How to Find a tDCS Provider?

What to Look for in a tDCS Clinic or Provider?

When choosing a tDCS provider, look for a licensed healthcare professional with experience in neurostimulation therapies. Ensure they offer you a personalised treatment plan and adhere to safety standards, with proper equipment and monitoring protocols.

At BetterPlace, our specialists have years of experience in conducting neuromodulatory treatment and are guided by a senior team with over 40+ years of experience who ensure quality treatment.

Cost of tDCS

Cost can vary depending on your location, provider, and treatment frequency. It’s important for you to inquire about session prices, insurance coverage, and whether home-use devices are available for purchase or rental.

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Our Doctors for Comprehensive tDCS Treatment

Dr. Akul Gupta

Consultant Psychiatrist


Therapy Mode Online, In-person

Languages Hindi, English

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5.0 / 5
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Ms. Ayushi Paul

M.Phil Clinical Psychology


Therapy Mode Online, In-person

Languages Hindi, English, Bengali

Rating
5.0 / 5
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Compassionate tDCS Therapy from Trusted Experts

At BetterPlace, our experts have helped over 50,000 people navigate various mental health challenges. With specialised training and years of experience, we’re here to support you with the care you deserve.

  • Agoraphobia
  • Alcohol use disorder
  • Alzheimer’s disease
  • Anorexia
  • Anxiety and panic attacks
  • Anxiety disorders
  • Arachnophobia
  • ADHD
  • Autism spectrum disorder
  • Binge Eating
  • Bipolar disorder
  • Body dysmorphic disorder
  • Bulimia nervosa
  • Claustrophobia
  • Depression
  • Dissociative disorders
  • Gambling disorder
  • Gender dysphoria
  • Hoarding disorder
  • Insomnia
  • Mood disorders
  • OCD
  • Panic disorder
  • Personality disorders
  • PTSD
  • Postpartum depression
  • Schizoaffective disorder
  • Schizophrenia
  • Social Anxiety Disorder
  • Sleep disorders

Our Approach to Personalised tDCS Therapy Care

Customised Stimulation Plans

We tailor your tDCS treatment to your unique needs, adjusting current intensity and target areas to maximise effectiveness for your specific condition.

Safe and Painless Procedure

Our tDCS treatments are non-invasive, painless, and conducted under expert supervision to ensure a safe and comfortable experience every time.

Advanced Technology for Precise Results

We use state-of-the-art tDCS equipment, ensuring precise targeting of brain regions to achieve the best possible outcomes for your mental health.

Seamless Integration with Therapy

Your tDCS sessions are part of a holistic care plan, working alongside therapy and lifestyle guidance to deliver comprehensive, long-lasting results.

Visiting BetterPlace?

When visiting BetterPlace, you can expect a welcoming environment where there is 0% judgment.

Detailed initial session (90 min)

Meet with a psychologist and a psychiatrist

Comprehensive testing

Get an accurate understanding of your mental health

Treatment phase (3-8 Weeks)

Get a personalised treatment plan

Long-Term Support

Get ongoing care with regular follow-ups

Transformation Stories at BetterPlace

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Even little things can cause so much anxiety

I had a major health scare in 2023 and I have been soooo paranoid ever since. Any time I got even a single gash or a cold, my whole world would come crashing down. I’d think “this is it for me”. Thankfully after talking to the doctors at BetterPlace, I got to know it’s nothing major, just anxiety. My treatment has been going on for 3 months and I already feel so much better.

 

Himalika K
The other mothers looked so happy

As a single mom raising two kids, I used to think anxiety was a part of the job. I was wrong. I started noticing other mothers and a few of them were so joyful, glowing even?? Eventually, the therapy helped me realize that there are actual actionable things I can do to manage my anxiety. It’s not easy, but progress is real.

 

Sambhavna S
My Partner and I Understand Each Other Better Now

My partner and I had reached a point where we just couldn’t agree on anything anymore. I almost gave up on us and I was sure we will get divorced. But Dr. X has been a real angel. She somehow managed to help us communicate better again and talk like we used to back in college when we first started dating. In fact her techniques have worked so well that we are closer than ever before.

 

Shraddha and Suprabhat

Mental Health Partners to the prestigious National Heart Institute

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Frequently Asked Questions

Studies show that tDCS can significantly reduce symptoms of Depression by stimulating areas of the brain involved in mood regulation. It’s an effective addition to other therapies for Depression.

Yes, tDCS has shown promising results in enhancing cognitive functions such as memory, attention, and executive function, making it a valuable tool in cognitive rehabilitation and mental performance.

tDCS devices are FDA-approved for specific conditions, including Depression and certain cognitive impairments. However, usage should always be guided by a medical professional.

Yes, tDCS is a drug-free, non-invasive treatment option, relying on electrical stimulation to stimulate brain activity rather than pharmaceutical intervention.

During a tDCS session, electrodes are placed on your scalp, delivering a low electrical current. It’s painless and typically lasts between 20-30 minutes. You may feel a slight tingling sensation during the session.

Side effects of tDCS are rare but may include mild skin irritation or tingling at the electrode site. These effects usually subside shortly after the session. tDCS is generally considered safe with minimal risk.

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