Determining the Effect of Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation on Depression and Anxiety in Methadone Consumers: A Randomized Controlled

Abstract

Background: Preliminary evidence suggests transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) has antidepressant and antianxiety efficacy. Because its effects have not been tested on methadone consumers, we investigated its efficacy. Objectives: This research is aimed at determining the effect of tDCS on depression and anxiety in methadone consumers. Methods: The present study was conducted in a pretest-posttest design. In this research, 40 people were studied as a group. These people took a test before and after the 8 days of tDCS. After the primary test, people received device simulation for 8 consecutive days at a specific time. Kolmogorov-Smirnov and Wilcoxon tests were used for analyzing the data. Results: The results show that with the score of 1.69 for the first variable, the patients’ anxiety level ismuch lower at the time of the electric stimulation. Also, regarding the score of 1.62 in the second hypothesis, it can be stated that the depression level wasmuch lower at the time of performing the simulation. Conclusions: It seems that tDCS can improve the severity of depression and anxiety symptoms. It can be used as an effective treatment.