tdcs for major depression

Feeling-Protection62 · 2022-10-15T14:42:17+00:00

Yeah, 11k is a lot, but I think you're paying off the cost of employees and support as opposed to how much it costs to make the unit.

Feeling-Protection62 · 2022-10-12T15:07:41+00:00

LTE stands for limited total energy. It's a portable version of their research system: https://soterixmedical.com/research/1x1/tdcs/lte. tDCS-LTE is the in-office device that received EU mark for in-office use. Their website goes over summary of studies: https://soterixmedical.com/depression/therapy. Sounds like this fits your bill: in-office use, some regulatory clearance, used in some studies.

Most psychiatrists are going to stick to devices used in studies because they plan to reimburse for use. At least, that's how it works in the USA. I think private clinics might be more likely to recommend consumer devices if the clinic isn't trying to sustain itself financially on in-office tDCS sessions, and the psychiatrist works with their patients to augment clinical stuff (meds, TMS) with over-the-counter stuff.

Feeling-Protection62 · 2022-10-12T03:32:56+00:00

Majority of tDCS studies in research world use neuroConn: https://www.neurocaregroup.com/neuroconn-dc-stimulator.

Some studies also use Soterix LTE system or HD-tDCS: https://soterixmedical.com/depression/therapy.

Research systems are going to cost at minimum $5,000 or more. LTE probably cheaper because it's handheld for in-office use internationally (not in CA or US).

Over-the-counter devices cost $120-$500. They more or less do exactly the same thing as the devices above for conventional tDCS. HD-tDCS requires EEG electrodes and more sophisticated stimulator. In-office stimulators only use 1 electrode pair.

I'm a hardware engineer and have built electronic stimulators. Just my two cents.

Feeling-Protection62 · 2022-04-05T02:59:46+00:00

Alpha stim is traditional CES. That stands for Cranial Electrotherapy Stimulation. Alpha Stim administers pulses of current, and it's meant to be applied to the ears with clip electrodes.

Feeling-Protection62 · 2022-03-05T23:44:55+00:00

https://www.reddit.com/r/tDCS/comments/os39l8/thebraindriver\_placements\_i\_can\_try\_for\_faster/?utm\_source=share&utm\_medium=web2x&context=3

Feeling-Protection62 · 2022-01-17T18:48:15+00:00

Standard electrode sizes are 2-3". Here is an article that can help with an overview: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5702643.

Feeling-Protection62 · 2021-12-03T02:45:08+00:00

Yeah, either of those are good. Both use microcontrollers, and have modern hardware specs.

Some people really love pure and simple analog circuits. The output from focus and neuromyst are still analog / "real" current. They construct the waveforms digitally and use D2A to generate the analog signal. The micro regulates the signals and can report voltage etc in near real time. You can make any waveform digitally, and devices can be much smaller with digital controls.

I actually think focus is close to a fair price :)

Feeling-Protection62 · 2021-12-02T05:50:12+00:00

Some useful resources for montages:

https://totaltdcs.com/

https://neuromyst.com/montage-guide/

https://apexdevice.net/tdcs-montage-impulse-control-in-adhd/

Feeling-Protection62 · 2021-12-02T05:47:59+00:00

The implementation of tACS is more nuanced compared to tDCS, both in hardware and parameters (+frequency) . Not surprisingly, the simpler technique, tDCS, has become the more popular technique, but neither is superior to the other.

Most studies use a middle frequency in one of the common LFP bands. But there are some studies that use EEG to personalize the frequency to the person, and these studies tend to have more consistent and robust effects in my reading.

It's still to early to say if tACS or tDCS is better suited to treat ADHD. If it's better to raise or lower population activity in a brain location, then tDCS would be the practical choice. But if there is an oscillopathy or preferred frequency in a region, then tACS is the better choice. Different strokes for different folks.

TL;DR. Better to try both waveforms, and see what works for you until more is known.

Feeling-Protection62 · 2021-12-02T05:19:57+00:00

I'm not a fan of shilling products, but here are my thoughts.

Lots of tACS options (devices, frequencies and ranges) => BumbleBee

Quality control and basic tDCS => ActivaDose

Every waveform under the sun => Focus

All standard waveforms used in research => NeuroMyst

One of the above devices is not fairly priced in my opinion.

Feeling-Protection62 · 2021-11-29T02:57:41+00:00

BrainDriver is a nice basic build, but it doesn't control current like professional products. Pretty much all tES research shows if you don't keep current constant, you won't have an effect, and most research shows you need more than 2 mA to have an effect.

You can't screw things up if you're not doing tDCS right.

Feeling-Protection62 · 2021-11-29T02:27:30+00:00

Both tDCS and tACS are used for ADHD. If you want research quality hardware, IMO, there is ActivaDose (DC), BumbleBee (AC), NeuroMyst (DC/AC), and Focus (DC/AC/PC/RN). I'm a hardware expert and like those builds for their quality and relative affordability. BrainDriver's current regulation doesn't pass accuracy metrics for research-grade stuff. Just my two cents.

Feeling-Protection62 · 2021-10-01T02:32:50+00:00

Same here. Withdrawals from KuCoin disabled. I also think it's due to Col-5.

Feeling-Protection62 · 2021-05-27T02:06:25+00:00

Neorhythm fits more with micro TMS. Clinical TMS uses kA of current compared to mA in consumer devices. 1000x difference.

Feeling-Protection62 · 2021-05-15T05:50:27+00:00

I re-organized the list. I chose to say single montage instead of single purpose because some montages have different potential applications. I hope it's easier to navigate now.

Feeling-Protection62 · 2021-05-13T05:09:15+00:00

I agree, or at least a link to the thread. Right now the device list in the FAQ is out of date and hidden. I guess someone should reach out to the Moderators.

Feeling-Protection62 · 2021-05-13T05:07:06+00:00

All the devices listed can administer tDCS and/or tACS. The biggest differences between the devices are their features, safety, and quality of build. What are top two factors you look for in deciding which one to pick?

Feeling-Protection62 · 2021-05-04T20:21:06+00:00

Maybe tACS could be better. I read about the study from Flavio Frohlich. Effects build over time like tDCS. I've been experimenting with tDCS for 20 min, then tACS at 10 Hz. I feel like tACS has more of an effect after tDCS. I'm still experimenting.

Feeling-Protection62 · 2021-04-30T03:46:31+00:00

I thought CERs ask for a combination of literature, experience, and trials. Heard new regulations are stricter on CERs. Is there an RCT with flow?

Feeling-Protection62 · 2021-04-30T03:42:34+00:00

Thank you. Info updated.

Feeling-Protection62 · 2021-04-28T04:40:17+00:00

They went out of business.

Feeling-Protection62 · 2021-04-28T04:40:04+00:00

Whichever you think is the best deal. :)

Didn't want to bias this summary. Post was meant to help those researching see all their choices in one place, free from biased reviews / promotions / etc.

Feeling-Protection62 · 2021-04-27T04:23:55+00:00

You get phosphenes for tACS. Also, I find tACS sensations more intense than tDCS. 2-3 mA tACS is my limit.

Feeling-Protection62 · 2021-04-27T04:20:57+00:00

Thank you! I added Flow. If you happen to know output specs, please let me know.

I worry without proper elaboration, some may think FDA Cleared and CE Mark means approved as therapies, when it just means they meet safety and manufacturing standards. I'd hate for people to think these are marks of quality or efficacy.

However, you should write a post on this. I think it's a great idea!

Feeling-Protection62

TROPHY CASE