Electroceutical and Bioelectric Therapy: Its Advantages and Limitations

• Published in: Clinical psychopharmacology and neuroscience : the official scientific journal of the Korean College of Neuropsychopharmacology Vol. 21; no. 1; pp. 19 - 31
• Main Authors: Jung, Bori, Yang, Chaeyeon, Lee, Seung-Hwan
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Korea (South) Korean College of Neuropsychopharmacology 28.02.2023; 대한정신약물학회
• Subjects: Review; 정신과학; Vagus nerve stimulation; Electroconvulsive therapy; Deep brain stimulation; rTMS; Transcranial electrical stimulation; Electroceutical and bioelectric therapy
• ISSN: 1738-1088; 2093-4327
• DOI: 10.9758/cpn.2023.21.1.19

Given the long history, the field of electroceutical and bioelectric therapy has grown impressively, recognized as the main modality of mental health treatments along with psychotherapy and pharmacotherapy. Electroceutical and bioelectric therapy comprises electroconvulsive therapy (ECT), vagus nerve stimulation (VNS), repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS), deep brain stimulation (DBS), transcranial electrical stimulation (tES), and other brain stimulation techniques. Much empirical research has been published regarding the application guidelines, mechanism of action, and efficacy of respective brain stimulation techniques, but no comparative study that delineates the advantages and limitations of each therapy exists for a comprehensive understanding of each technique. This review provides a comparison of existing electroceutical and bioelectric techniques, primarily focusing on the therapeutic advantages and limitations of each therapy in the current electroceutical and bioelectric field.