Welcome to the HOME study

What is the HOME study?

We are looking at the brain stimulation, called transcranial direct current stimulation, to see if it can help with depression.

What is transcranial direct currrent stimulation?

  • Transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) is a form of brain stimulation.

  • tDCS produces a small electric current (2 mA) which affects how easily brain cells can discharge.

  • It does not directly stimulate brain cells to cause a seizure like electroconvulsive therapy (ECT), and it does not cause brain cells to discharge like transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS).

  • tDCS is a form of brain or neuromodulation that uses a constant low electrical current. 

  • The tDCS device that we are using is a headset that is intended for in-home use

  • There are two metal discs, called electrodes. One is for where the current is generated and one for where the current goes back to the device. They are at the front of the headset on both sides and sit on the top part of the forehead

What does the study involve?

Participants would either receive their usual care or they would receive their usual care and tDCS.

All the tDCS sessions are done at home. We will see participants for regular follow up visits every few weeks for 10 weeks and then every few months for 9 months.

All participants would be able to have the tDCS device at 6 months.