A new study suggests tiny, current-emitting scalp electrodes may offer promise in the treatment of depression.

Researchers in Brazil have been testing the technique known as transcranial direct current stimulation, or t-D-C-S, on patients with moderate to severe depression.

The 120 patients were divided into four groups and some received the scalp-shocking treatments along with the depression drug sertraline.

Others received t-D-C-S and a fake version of the drug.

The remaining two groups received a fake placebo version of the head-zapping technique with or without the drug.

After six weeks, the group that got both t-D-C-S and sertraline had a greater and more rapid improvement in their depression compared to the other groups.