Table 2.
Characteristics of studies and case reports on transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) use in pregnancy.
| Author/Journal | Type/Number of Participants/Age/Diagnosis | Electrode Placement/Electrode Size | Stimulation Parameters | Results | Adverse Events/Side Effects/Examinations in Fetus and Mother |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sreeraj et al. Brain Stimulation 2016 [13] |
Case report n = 1 23 years Recurrent depression |
Anode: F3, Cathode: F4 25 cm2 |
2 mA, 30 min/day, 10 days | At the end of the follow-up-phase, HAMD changed from 18 to 5 points and HAMA changed from 32 before intervention to 6 after intervention, both showing a remission. | The patient tolerated tDCS well without any adverse event. In 3 out of the total 10 tDCS sessions, side effects were reported: during the fade-in phase transient, mild burning sensations at the site of application and phosphenes. No specific examinations in fetus/mother. |
| Strube et al. J Clin Psychopharmacol, 2016 [31] |
Case report n = 1 36 years Schizophrenia |
Anode: F3, Cathode: Tp3 |
2 mA, 2 × 20 min/day, 10 days | Based on the Calgary Depression Scale in Schizophrenia (CDSS), depression symptoms associated with schizophrenia were reduced by 41% although improvement of auditory hallucinations was the primary target. | tDCS was well tolerated with no reported or noticeable adverse events or side effects. Fetal examination via standard ultrasound at follow-up (gestational week 35) revealed no abnormalities. Normal sonography and delivery 1 week before calculated date. |
| Palm et al. Clin Neurophysiol, 2017 [30] |
Pilot Study (with target sample of n = 10) First results: n = 3 23, 28 and 32 years (Recurrent) Depression |
Anode: F3, Cathode: F4 |
2 mA, 2 × 30 min/day for 10 days and 1 × 30 min/day for 10 days | No statistically significant changes could be observed yet. One patient achieved remission. | tDCS was well tolerated and no adverse events occurred. No specific examinations in the fetus/mother. |
HAMD: Hamilton Depression Rating Scale; HAMA: Hamilton Anxiety Rating Scale; electrode placements according 10–20 EEG system: F3/F4: left/right dorsolateral prefrontal cortex; Tp3: left temporoparietal junction.