Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation (tDCS) paired with a decision-making task reduces risk-taking in a clinically...

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Psychiatry
• Behavioral Science

Background:

• Impulsivity is a key trait in various psychiatric disorders.
• Transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) over the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC) shows potential for reducing impulsivity.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the impact of tDCS combined with a decision-making task on risk-taking behaviors in Veterans.
• To evaluate the generalization and durability of tDCS effects on impulsivity.

Main Methods:

• A randomized, single-blind, sham-controlled study involving 30 Veterans.
• Participants underwent active or sham tDCS over the DLPFC twice daily for five days while performing decision-making tasks (BART and Risk Task).
• Assessments included pre-intervention, post-intervention, and one- and two-month follow-ups.

Main Results:

• Active tDCS significantly decreased risky choices by 46% in the untrained Risk Task from pre- to post-intervention.
• These reductions in risk-taking persisted at one- and two-month follow-ups.
• No significant changes in risk-taking were observed in the sham tDCS group or for the trained BART task.

Conclusions:

• tDCS applied to the DLPFC, when paired with a decision-making task, effectively reduces risk-taking in Veterans with impulsivity.
• This neuroplasticity-based intervention offers a promising avenue for treating impulsivity-related behaviors.
• The findings support tDCS as a potential therapeutic strategy for individuals exhibiting clinically relevant impulsivity.