EFFICACY AND CLINICAL APPLICATIONS OF TRANSCRANIAL DIRECT CURRENT STIMULATION IN NEUROLOGICAL AND PSYCHIATRIC DISORDERS

Abstract

Transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) is a non-invasive neuromodulation technique with therapeutic potential in neurological and psychiatric conditions. Given the increasing use of this approach and the existing controversies regarding its efficacy and standardization, this study aimed to analyze the scientific evidence on its clinical applications. This is an integrative literature review conducted in the PubMed/MEDLINE, Scopus, Web of Science, LILACS, and SciELO databases, including studies published between 2020 and 2025. Original full-text articles in Portuguese, English, and Spanish were included, resulting in a final sample of 12 studies after applying eligibility criteria. The findings demonstrated positive effects of tDCS on cortical excitability modulation, promoting neuroplasticity and contributing to symptom improvement in depressive disorders, schizophrenia, chronic pain, and post-stroke rehabilitation. However, significant heterogeneity was observed in stimulation protocols and outcome measures, limiting comparability across studies. It is concluded that tDCS represents a promising intervention; however, further methodological standardization and more robust clinical trials are required to establish its effectiveness in clinical practice.