tDCS Treatment

tDCS (transcranial Direct Current Stimulation) is a gentle, non-invasive brain-stimulation technique that uses a very low electrical current to influence the activity of mood-related brain regions. It is one of the more accessible forms of neuromodulation and, in suitable cases, can be delivered as a supervised home-based option. Dr. Anindo Mitra (MBBS, MD Psychiatry, JIPMER), trained in tDCS, assesses suitability in-person in Gurugram and online across India.

Who this is for

This page is for people exploring gentle, non-medication options — most often for depression — and for those who would value a treatment that, where appropriate, can be continued at home under supervision.

How tDCS works

tDCS passes a weak, constant electrical current between electrodes placed on the scalp. Rather than forcing brain cells to fire, it gently nudges their excitability up or down in targeted regions, which can support improvement in mood over a course of sessions. The current is low-intensity and the procedure is painless for most people.

What a course involves

  • Sessions. tDCS is given as a series of sessions over a period of weeks; each session lasts around 20–30 minutes.
  • During a session. You sit comfortably, awake, with electrodes positioned on the scalp. Many people feel a mild tingling or itching under the electrodes, especially at the start.
  • Home-based option. In carefully selected cases, and with proper training and supervision, tDCS may be continued at home using an approved device — convenient for maintaining a course. Whether this is appropriate for you is a clinical decision.

Benefits and who it suits

tDCS is gentle, well tolerated, and relatively accessible. It may suit people who prefer a mild, non-medication approach or want a maintainable option. It is generally considered a lower-intensity treatment than rTMS or ECT, and the evidence base is still developing — so Dr. Mitra will give you an honest picture of what it can and cannot be expected to do for your situation.

Risks and side effects

Side effects are usually mild — tingling, itching, or slight redness under the electrodes, and occasionally a mild headache. Correct electrode placement and technique matter, which is why training and supervision are important, particularly for any home use.

Access and coordination

Dr. Mitra assesses whether tDCS is appropriate, explains realistic expectations, and coordinates delivery — including arranging proper training and supervision if a home-based course is suitable. Suitability can be discussed in an online consultation.

In-person in Gurugram and online across India

Assessment and guidance are available in-person at Athena Behavioural Health, Sector 47, Gurugram, and online across India, in English, Hindi, Bengali, and Tamil.

Safety and urgent help

tDCS is a planned treatment, not for emergencies. If you have severe symptoms or thoughts of self-harm, seek help via emergency services, your nearest hospital, or Tele-MANAS on 14416. This page is educational and does not replace an individual consultation.

Book a consultation

See fees · neuromodulation · rTMS

Frequently asked questions

Is tDCS painful? No. Most people feel only a mild tingling or itching under the electrodes, particularly at the start of a session. It is a gentle, low-current technique.

Can tDCS be done at home? In carefully selected cases, and only with proper training and supervision using an approved device, a course may be continued at home. Whether this suits you is a clinical decision made by Dr. Mitra.

How does tDCS compare with rTMS? tDCS is gentler and lower-intensity, and can sometimes be home-based, whereas rTMS is a stronger, clinic-based magnetic stimulation with a larger evidence base. The right choice depends on your situation.

How many sessions are needed? tDCS is given as a course over several weeks, each session lasting around 20–30 minutes. The exact plan is individualised.

Is tDCS proven to work? It shows promise for depression and is well tolerated, but its evidence base is still developing and is generally considered less established than rTMS or ECT. Dr. Mitra will give you a realistic picture for your case.