NCT01805401

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

Modulating Decision-Making and Impulse Control With Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation (tDCS) Over the Orbitofrontal Cortex (OFC): A Randomized and Sham-Controlled Study

• Status: Completed
• Phase: N/A
• Study type: Interventional
• Enrollment: 45 (actual)
• Sponsor: Douglas Mental Health University Institute · Academic / Other
• Sex: All
• Age: 18 Years – 60 Years
• Healthy volunteers: Accepted

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.

Conditions

• Impulsive Behavior
• Suicidal Impulses

Interventions

Type	Name	Description
DEVICE	Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation	Anode placed over the OFC or the DLPFC and cathode placed over the occipital region

Timeline

• Start date: 2013-01-01
• Primary completion: 2014-03-01
• Completion: 2014-03-01
• First posted: 2013-03-06
• Last updated: 2014-10-06

Locations

1 site across 1 country: Canada