Story perspectives

tDCS Boosts Cognition but Heightens Anxiety Sensitivity

2/10/2026

Summary

Story summary

A study published in Biological Psychiatry: Cognitive Neuroscience and Neuroimaging found that transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) improved cognitive performance in 101 adults with a major depressive episode, but increased sensitivity to threats.
Active stimulation increased amygdala responses and startle reactions versus placebo.
The findings suggest tDCS may increase alertness rather than calm anxiety.
Future trials should pair stimulation with active therapy to engage patients.

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Story summary

A study published in Biological Psychiatry: Cognitive Neuroscience and Neuroimaging found that transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) improved cognitive performance in 101 adults with a major depressive episode, but increased sensitivity to threats.
Active stimulation increased amygdala responses and startle reactions versus placebo.
The findings suggest tDCS may increase alertness rather than calm anxiety.
Future trials should pair stimulation with active therapy to engage patients.