brain stimResearch suggests that the application of current to the brain-known as transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS)-may enhance cognition and lessen symptoms of depression, anxiety, and other conditions. While tDCS devices can be built with simple tools, experts are cautioning do-it-yourself users that there may be hidden risks.“Scientific papers can give the impression that tDCS has clear benefits with no side effects, motivating do-it-yourself use. However the authors of these scientific papers generally do not encourage this. With do-it yourself tDCS on the rise, we thought it was time to outline why” said Dr. Michael D.. Fox, senior author of the Annals of Neurology article.

Source: Wiley
Full bibliographic information
Wurzman, R., Hamilton, R. H., Pascual-Leone, A. and Fox, M. D. (2016), An open letter concerning do-it-yourself users of transcranial direct current stimulation. Ann Neurol., 80: 1-4. doi: 10.1002/ana.24689