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. 2020 Nov 1:276:1-13.
doi: 10.1016/j.jad.2020.06.054. Epub 2020 Jul 14.

A systematic review of transcranial direct current stimulation effects in attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder

Camila Cosmo  1 , Melany DiBiasi  2 , Vania Lima  3 , Luanda Collange Grecco  4 , Mauro Muszkat  5 , Noah S Philip  6 , Eduardo Pondé de Sena  7
Affiliations

A systematic review of transcranial direct current stimulation effects in attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder

Camila Cosmo et al. J Affect Disord. .

Abstract

Background: Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) stands out as the most prevalent neurodevelopmental disorder of childhood, with global prevalence ranging from 3.4% to 7•2%. Its cognitive symptoms result from the combination of complex etiological processes encompassing genetic and environmental components. Available therapeutic approaches are associated with significant challenges such as modest efficacy or side effects. Transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) is a promising tool for enhancing cognitive performance in neuropsychiatric disorders. Trials investigating its applicability in ADHD have showed propitious, however, still preliminary findings.

Methods: We performed a systemic review by searching on Medline, Cochrane Library, Web of Science, ScienceDirect and Embase using the descriptors: "attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder" or "ADHD"; and "transcranial direct current stimulation" or "tDCS"; following PRISMA guidelines.

Results: A total of 383 articles were identified. After removing duplicates, 45 studies were assessed for eligibility, and after careful review, 11 manuscripts applying tDCS in ADHD were included. Significant improvements in attention, inhibitory control and working memory were reported, in addition to increased brain connectivity following use of active tDCS.

Limitations: The main limitation was the small number of trials investigating use of tDCS in ADHD. Study methods and outcome measures were quite variable, and generally did not include long-term follow-up.

Conclusions: Although the extent literature indicates promising findings, the available data remains highly preliminary. Further trials evaluating the efficacy of tDCS for ADHD, with longer follow-up, are necessary. These studies will be needed to determine the optimal protocol for clinical efficacy.

Keywords: Attention; Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder; Inhibitory control; Prefrontal cortex; Transcranial direct current stimulation; Working memory.

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Conflict of interest statement

CONFLICTS OF INTEREST

The authors have no conflict of interests to report.

Figures

Figure 1.
Figure 1.
Flowchart of review search adapted from PRISMA flow diagram. (Moher et al., 2009)
Figure 2.
Figure 2.
Risk of bias assessment
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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