Home-based transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) for bipolar depression: effects on quality of life and functioning—an open-label study

Research output: Contribution to journalResearch articleContributedpeer-review

Contributors

Abstract

Purpose: Individuals with bipolar disorder often experience reduced quality of life (QoL). Transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) is a promising non-invasive treatment for bipolar depression that is portable, safe, and suitable for use at home. We developed a home-based tDCS protocol with real-time remote supervision and examined its effect on QoL in bipolar depression. Methods: In an open‐label design, 44 participants (31 women) with bipolar depression of at least a moderate severity received 21 sessions of home‐based tDCS (2 mA, 30 min, F3 anode/F4 cathode) over 6 weeks, with a follow-up visit conducted 5 months from baseline. QoL was assessed using the quality of life enjoyment and satisfaction questionnaire (Q-LES-Q) at baseline, week 2, end of treatment, and follow-up session. Baseline and post treatment scores were compared with healthy control participants (28 adults; 17 women). Results: At baseline and at the end of treatment, bipolar participants showed a significantly lower Q-LES-Q score than healthy controls (p < 0.001). Within the bipolar group, there was a significant improvement in total Q-LES-Q scores (p < 0.001) and across multiple domains by week 6 and remained elevated at follow-up. Changes in Q-LES-Q were no longer significant after adjustment for depressive symptoms. Conclusion: A 6-week course of supervised home-based tDCS was associated with significant QoL improvements in bipolar depression, which appeared to be closely linked to reduction in depressive symptoms. Randomized, sham‐controlled trials are warranted to clarify the specific contribution of tDCS to improve QoL in bipolar depression.

Details

Original languageEnglish
Article number33
JournalQuality of life research
Volume35
Issue number2
Publication statusPublished - Feb 2026
Peer-reviewedYes

External IDs

PubMed 41511563
ORCID /0000-0002-2666-859X/work/203814158

Keywords

Keywords

  • Bipolar depression, Home‐based treatment, Quality of life, Transcranial direct current stimulation