Introduction
anhedonia, depressive, mood disorder, depressed, depression, Depression
PATHOPHYSIOLOGY
Depression is a mood disorder characterized by permanent sadness, anhedonia, loss of perspective, and suicidal behaviorAlthough numerous hypotheses have been proposed regarding the causes and pathophysiology of depression, they remain uncertain. However, recent studies have revealed a correlation between depressive episodes and inflammationInternational guidelines for treating depressive episodes typically recommend antidepressant agents combined with psychotherapeutic treatmentThe evidence linking tDCS and depression is growing, but there is a lack of research on the effect of tDCS on HPAA activity in depression, as depression itself can alter HPAA activityTherefore, the main objective of our randomized, triple-blind pilot trial was to assess the effect of tDCS on HPAA activity in depressed participants by evaluating salivary cortisol levels. We hypothesized that the tDCS would be an effective treatment for depression and reduce salivary cortisol levels in participants with depression.