Brain Stimulation May Relieve Depression, Anxiety in Seniors

A noninvasive brain stimulation treatment has shown promise in improving depression and anxiety symptoms among older adults, according to a new study led by the University of Florida. This study indicates that transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) can serve as an effective, noninvasive, and drug-free option for treating depression and anxiety symptoms, conditions that affect 1 in 4 older adults.

Key Findings

The study found that improvements in depression and anxiety symptoms were most significant among patients who reported higher symptom levels before treatment. Notably, participants who experienced moderate to severe state anxiety—anxiety related to stressful situations or events—sustained the treatment benefits at a one-year follow-up.

The findings, published in the journal Brain Stimulation, highlight the potential of tDCS as a viable treatment option. Adam Woods, Ph.D., the study’s senior author and associate dean for research at the UF College of Public Health and Health Professions, emphasized the importance of accessible and noninvasive treatment options, especially for individuals who are nonresponsive to pharmaceutical treatments or unable to access intensive clinic-based programs.

The Study

The study was part of the National Institute on Aging-funded Augmenting Clinical Training in Older Adults Study, which is the largest study of its kind involving older adults at both UF and University of Arizona sites. Nearly 400 older adults were randomly assigned to one of two groups: 12 weeks of tDCS paired with cognitive training aimed at improving working memory and processing speed, or 12 weeks of cognitive training paired with a placebo version of tDCS.

Mechanism and Method

tDCS treatment involves a safe and weak electrical current passed through electrodes placed on a person’s head, targeting the prefrontal cortex—an area of the brain associated with cognition and emotion regulation. The researchers collected a wealth of data, including cognitive, functional, and neuroimaging tests, as well as self-reported measures of psychological symptoms such as depression and anxiety.

Results

After accounting for factors like prescription drugs that might impact depression and anxiety symptoms, the study team found that participants who received tDCS treatment showed significant improvements in mild depression and moderate to severe state anxiety compared to those who did not receive tDCS.

Hanna Hausman, the study’s lead author and a UF PHHP clinical psychology Ph.D. student in neuropsychology, pointed out the unexpected yet welcome surprise of witnessing similar effects in older adults without significant psychiatric histories. This underscores the importance of recognizing and treating even subclinical depression and anxiety, which can lead to adverse outcomes in older adults.

Future Directions

The researchers suggest that future studies should include a phase 3 randomized clinical trial to assess the effects of tDCS and cognitive training on anxiety among a large and diverse group of older adults. The Korea Food and Drug Administration has already approved tDCS as an at-home treatment for depression in adults in South Korea, and with further study, it could become an accessible and easy-to-use treatment in the U.S. once sufficient evidence is available for U.S. Food and Drug Administration approval.

Implications

tDCS treatment is cost-effective, portable, and can be seamlessly integrated with existing mental health therapies or used as a standalone intervention. Its potential for at-home self-administration could expand accessibility and reduce personnel costs, making it a promising intervention for individuals who face barriers to accessing face-to-face clinical care.

Conclusion

The study led by the University of Florida indicates that tDCS holds significant potential as a noninvasive, drug-free treatment for depression and anxiety in older adults. The ability to provide a cost-effective, portable, and self-administered treatment option could revolutionize the way mental health issues are managed in the aging population, offering hope for improved mental health and cognitive function as people age. This research underscores the importance of continued exploration and development of noninvasive treatment options to enhance the quality of life for older adults suffering from depression and anxiety.

Source: Materials provided by University of Florida. Original written by Jill Pease. Content edited for style & length.