tDCS Therapy
Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation (tDCS) is a safe, non-invasive, drug-free treatment for depression and other mental health conditions. tDCS is an effective alternative to rTMS and traditional antidepressant medications, particularly for individuals who have not responded to medication or cannot tolerate side effects.
The tDCS device is fully portable, allowing flexible treatment at home for patients who are unable to attend daily clinic sessions. The therapy works by promoting neurological activity in targeted areas of the brain, supporting improvements in mood and mental health. tDCS has been found effective across a range of depression severity, from mild to severe.
Treatment at Healthy Mind Solutions:
Patients receive education on using the tDCS device safely and effectively.
A loan machine and consumables are provided for home-based treatments.
Typical treatment plans consist of 5 daily sessions per week for four or more weeks.
Each session lasts 30 minutes and is completely painless.
The effects are cumulative, so adherence to the plan is important.
Your psychiatrist will determine whether tDCS is an appropriate treatment option for you, either as a standalone therapy or as an adjunct to other treatments.
tDCS provides a flexible, safe, and effective approach for those seeking alternatives to medication or clinic-based treatments like rTMS.
Common questions about tDCS Therapy…
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Patients report a range of changes as a result of tDCS, including improved mood, sleep and activity levels, and a reduction in anxiety.
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tDCS therapy is recommended for Healthy Mind Solutions patients when other interventions, such as psychological therapy and medication alone, have been unsuccessful, or when patients prefer to have medication-free treatment. Your practitioner will talk with you about all the options available, including tDCS therapy, which for some patients will be used in conjunction with other therapies.
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Because the device is portable, tDCS treatments can be done almost anywhere. You will wear a special cap with two electrodes embedded in it, which is attached to a small stimulation unit. The therapy uses a very weak current and during your treatment we encourage you to do an activity that is mentally challenging. Some patients like to read a book / newspaper, do sudoku or crossword puzzles. These sorts of activities increase treatment efficacy and can also make the time pass more quickly.
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Yes, absolutely. After treatment you can continue whatever you would usually be doing for the rest of your day.
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During the first few minutes you may feel a slight tingling sensation on the scalp, which subsides gradually.
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Yes, for patients our team consider appropriate for home treatment with tDCS, it is definitely safe for you to manage it yourself. You will receive a personal cap to use for your treatments, and specialised training from a Healthy Mind Solutions therapist, so that you can be confident doing the sessions on your own.
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tDCS Therapy is paid for privately.
