Acceptability of transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) as a potential treatment for depression: a UK general population survey

Transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) is a non-invasive neuromodulation technique with growing evidence of efficacy in treating major depressive disorder (MDD). As a novel intervention, its uptake depends not only on clinical effectiveness but also on public acceptability. This study assessed views of tDCS and potential factors influencing acceptability. In a cross-sectional online survey, 879 UK adults (71.4% women, age range 18 – 65 years or more) provided responses. After a brief explanation of tDCS, participants completed a questionnaire informed by the Theoretical Framework of Acceptability (TFA), covering 7 domains: affective attitude, burden, ethicality, intervention coherence, opportunity costs, perceived effectiveness, and self-efficacy. Replies were provided on a 7-point anchored Likert scale. Demographic and experiential variables were examined as predictors. Overall acceptability was moderate (mean = 4.7, SD = 1.6 on a 7-point scale). Safety-related domains were the strongest predictors: long-term risk and immediate side-effects each received median importance scores of 7 (“very important”). 29.0 % of participants indicated they were “quite likely” or “definitely” willing to try tDCS themselves, whereas 20.0 % were neutral and 11.0 % were unwilling. Other than a weak correlation between age and willingness to use tDCS there were no significant associations between acceptability and any demographic or experiential variables. Among the general population, attitudes toward tDCS were shaped primarily by perceptions of safety. These findings highlight the importance of clear, accessible information about risks and side effects, alongside clinical evidence, to support public understanding with emerging treatments and to facilitate patient adoption. • Public views on tDCS were assessed using a validated acceptability framework • Attitudes toward tDCS were shaped primarily by perceptions of safety • Acceptability did not vary significantly across demographic groups • Clear safety information may support public acceptance of tDCS treatments