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Brain stimulation in psychiatry and its effects on cognition

Nature Reviews Neurology volume 6, pages 267–275 (2010)Cite this article

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Abstract

From the advent of electroconvulsive therapy in the 1930s to the emergence of magnetic seizure therapy in the 2000s, the refinement of brain stimulation in psychiatry has been largely motivated by a desire to achieve clinical efficacy and eliminate cognitive adverse effects. As a result of these efforts, a clinically efficacious brain stimulation technique that does not negatively affect cognition could soon be available. In the course of developing a 'cognitively safe' brain stimulation technique, potential methods to enhance various aspects of cognition have also emerged. In this article, we discuss the past, present and future of brain stimulation in psychiatry, and its effects on cognition.

Key Points

  • Numerous advances have been made in the field of brain stimulation in psychiatry since the introduction of electroconvulsive therapy in 1938

  • The motivation to maintain the superior efficacy of electroconvulsive therapy while avoiding its cognitive adverse effects has driven much of the research

  • The past 10 years have seen rapid progress, and a number of brain stimulation techniques with varying efficacy and side-effect profiles are currently under investigation

  • In light of recent developments in the field, the future role of brain stimulation in psychiatry, and its effects on cognition, must be considered

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Figure 1: Timeline of introduction of brain stimulation techniques.

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  1. Monash Alfred Psychiatry Research Center, The Alfred and Monash University School of Psychology and Psychiatry, Commercial Road, Prahran, 3181, Vic, Australia

    Kate E. Hoy & Paul B. Fitzgerald

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P. B. Fitzgerald declares associations with the following companies: Brainsway, MagVenture, Neurontics. K. E. Hoy declares no competing interests.

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Hoy, K., Fitzgerald, P. Brain stimulation in psychiatry and its effects on cognition. Nat Rev Neurol 6, 267–275 (2010). https://doi.org/10.1038/nrneurol.2010.30

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