Flow Neuroscience
Aug. 31, 2025
The dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC) may not be a term you hear every day, but it plays a vital role in mental health — especially depression. In many people with depression, activity in the DLPFC is reduced. Treatments like TMS (Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation) and tDCS (Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation) aim to stimulate this region, restoring healthier brain function.
The Role of the DLPFC in Mood and Thinking
- Mood Regulation: The DLPFC helps process emotional information and regulate how strongly we react to negative thoughts or events.
- Cognitive Control: This area supports focus, problem-solving, and planning — abilities that can suffer during depression.
- Motivation and Drive: A healthy DLPFC is essential for initiating and sustaining daily activities, from getting out of bed to pursuing long-term goals.
How Treatments Work Here
- TMS: Uses magnetic pulses to boost blood flow and increase neural activity in the DLPFC. This stimulation can help rebalance brain activity linked to mood disorders.
- tDCS: Delivers a gentle electrical current to modulate how active the DLPFC is, potentially improving both emotional stability and cognitive performance.
Why It Matters for Recovery
Stimulating the DLPFC doesn’t just target mood symptoms — it can help you regain mental clarity, decision-making skills, and the motivation to take action on the things that matter to you.