Do-It-Yourself Brain Stimulation Could Result In Altered Brain Functions
The transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) is a "do-it-yourself" type of brain stimulation people use for cognitive enhancement and in the treatment of anxiety or depression. A recent study shows that these devices could do more harm than good.
Despite its popularity and promise, a group of researchers from the University of Pennsylvania's Perelman School of Medicine, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center (Harvard Medical School teaching hospital) as well as several experts in the neuroscience research community, has issued a warning about the home use of tDCS and the risks that come with it.
The tDCS uses of low-voltage electricity for stimulating the brain using a headband and a device with electrodes. Past studies showed that tDCS helped patients increase weight loss, eat less and even improve symptoms of anxiety and depression. Other studies suggested it can even help people become more focused, creative and have an increased basic cognitive function.
