In DC, the flow of electrons is constant and in one direction, but in AC, the flow changes direction frequently. How are the Fisher Wallace Stimulator and the Alpha-Stim devices related to tDCS? TheyвЂ™re very similar except that the current going to the skull is alternating current (AC) instead of direct current (DC), and for that reason they are categorized as tACS (transcranial alternating current stimulators). ItвЂ™s not a huge study, and weвЂ™d like more data, but we can at least say that this technology looks promising-and the side effects are almost non-existent. Both tDCS and combined tDCS and sertraline worked better than placebo alone or sertraline alone, and the combined treatment posted the best outcomes of all (Brunoni AR et al, JAMA Psychiatry 2013 70(4):383вЂ“391). In the study, 120 mildly treatment-resistant patients with MDD were randomized to tDCS alone, tDCS combined with sertraline, sertraline alone, or placebo, and followed for 6 weeks. It makes sense, and it may actually work-according to a recently published randomized sham-controlled trial. If weвЂ™re talking about, say, the left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex, which is thought to be hypoactive in depression, this stimulation will theoretically increase electrical activity there and ease your depression. A small charge will flow to your temple and will stimulate the part of your cortex under the electrode. You are now picturing a simple tDCS device. Now, imagine that the lightbulb is replaced with your skull, and the wires from the battery go to conductive pads that are kept on either temple by a headband. This one-way electrical circuit is called direct current (DC). Electrons flow through the wire, heating the lightbulbвЂ™s filament to create light. Picture a battery with a wire attached to the negative end (the anode) going into a light bulb and returning to the batteryвЂ™s positive end (the cathode). If you want to understand these devices, itвЂ™s best to start by learning about their simpler cousin process, transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS). How do these devices work? Are they actually effective? And where do they fit into the rapidly expanding array of neuromodulators? The Alpha-Stim device makes similar claims ( Alpha-Stim website). WeвЂ™re talking, of course, about the Fisher Wallace Stimulator, touted by the manufacturer as being an effective treatment for depression, anxiety, insomnia, and pain ( Fisher Wallace website). Ads for it seem to be invading psychiatristsвЂ™ Google search results.

The daytime show вЂњThe DoctorsвЂќ gave it a glowing review. Borckhardt has disclosed that he has no relevant relationships or financial interests in any commercial company pertaining to this educational activity.Д¬arly Simon swears by it. Sahlem has disclosed that the has no relevant relationships or financial interests in any commercial company pertaining to this educational activity.ДЄssociate Professor and Director of the Biobehavioral Medicine Division, Brain Stimulation Laboratory and Biobehavioral Medicine Division, Medical University of South CarolinaДr. Clinical instructor of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Medical University of South CarolinaДr. If you have questions about the drugs you are taking, check with your doctor, nurse or pharmacist.Д¬opyright 1996-2021 Cerner Multum, Inc. The information contained herein is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. Multum does not assume any responsibility for any aspect of healthcare administered with the aid of information Multum provides. The absence of a warning for a given drug or drug combination in no way should be construed to indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective or appropriate for any given patient. Multum's drug information is an informational resource designed to assist licensed healthcare practitioners in caring for their patients and/or to serve consumers viewing this service as a supplement to, and not a substitute for, the expertise, skill, knowledge and judgment of healthcare practitioners. Multum's drug information does not endorse drugs, diagnose patients or recommend therapy. Multum information has been compiled for use by healthcare practitioners and consumers in the United States and therefore Multum does not warrant that uses outside of the United States are appropriate, unless specifically indicated otherwise. Drug information contained herein may be time sensitive. ('Multum') is accurate, up-to-date, and complete, but no guarantee is made to that effect. Every effort has been made to ensure that the information provided by Cerner Multum, Inc.

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