tDCS Applied to the OFC: Effects on Decision-Making and Impulse Control

Not Applicable

Completed

• Conditions: Impulsive Behavior; Suicidal Impulses
• Interventions: Device: Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation

• Registration Number: NCT01805401
• Lead Sponsor: Douglas Mental Health University Institute

Brief Summary

In this study the investigators aim to assess whether transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS; a safe and non-invasive method for modulating the activity of specific brain regions) when applied over the orbitofrontal cortex (OFC) is able to modulate decision-making and impulse control in healthy participants.

Detailed Description

In this single-blind, three-arm and sham-controlled study, we will assess whether transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS; a safe and non-invasive method for modulating the activity of specific brain regions) when applied over the orbitofrontal cortex (OFC) is able to modulate decision-making and impulse control in healthy volunteers. We hypothesize that tDCS applied to the OFC, in comparison to sham tDCS, will significantly enhance decision-making and impulse control. For this study we will enroll 45 healthy individuals aged 18-60 years. These individuals will be assessed with a battery of computerized tasks as well as clinician-administered and self-reported questionnaires on depression and anxiety. Assessments will be carried out before and after a single 30-minute tDCS session.

Study Timeline

• Study Start: 2013-01
• Study First Submitted: 2013-01-16
• Study First Submitted QC: 2013-03-05
• Study First Posted: 2013-03-06
• Primary Completion: 2014-03
• Study Completion: 2014-03
• Status Verified: 2014-10
• Last Update Submitted: 2014-10-02
• Last Update Posted: 2014-10-06

Recruitment & Eligibility

• Status: COMPLETED
• Sex: All
• Target Recruitment: 45

Inclusion Criteria

• Men or women aged 18 to 60 years

Exclusion Criteria

• Presence any psychiatric and/or neurological illness
• Psychoactive substance abuse/dependence in the past 6 months
• Current use of medication(s) that might influence cognition and/or affective status
• Presence of an uncontrolled medical disease (e.g., cardiovascular, renal)
• Pregnancy and/or lactation
• Specific contraindication for tDCS (e.g., metallic head implant).

Study & Design

• Study Type: INTERVENTIONAL
• Study Design: PARALLEL

Arm && Interventions

Group	Intervention	Description
Right OFC Group	Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation	Anode applied to the right OFC and cathode applied to the left OFC
Sham tDCS	Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation	-
Left OFC Group	Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation	Anode applied to the left OFC and cathode applied to the right OFC

Primary Outcome Measures

Name	Time	Method
Change in the net score of the Iowa Gambling Task	Before and after a 30-minute tDCS session

Secondary Outcome Measures

Name	Time	Method
Change in the number of risky choices in the Game of Dice Task	Before and after a 30-minute tDCS session
Change in the interference index in the Stroop Color-Word Test	Before and after a 30-minute tDCS session
Change in the "average-adjusted number of pumps" in the Balloon Analog Risk Task	Before and after a 30-minute tDCS session
Change in the number of commission errors in the Continuous Performance Task	Before and after a 30-minute tDCS session
Change in the stop-signal reaction time in the Stop-Signal Task	Before and after a 30-minute tDCS session

Trial Locations

Locations (1)

Neuromodulation Research Clinic, Douglas Mental Health University Institute; 🇨🇦 Montreal, Quebec, Canada