The Effect of Multi-Session Prefrontal Cortical Stimulation on Aggression: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Parallel-Group...

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Psychology
• Behavioral Science

Background:

• Prefrontal cortex involvement in aggression regulation is suggested by neuroimaging.
• Experimental investigation of prefrontal cortex modulation on aggression is limited.

Purpose of the Study:

• To experimentally assess if repeated transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) of the prefrontal cortex reduces aggressive behavior.
• To investigate potential gender differences in response to prefrontal tDCS for aggression.

Main Methods:

• A double-blind, randomized controlled trial with 88 healthy adults.
• Three consecutive daily sessions of anodal tDCS or sham stimulation over the ventromedial prefrontal cortex.
• Assessment of aggressive behavior using a validated behavioral measure post-intervention.

Main Results:

• No significant overall reduction in aggression was observed between the active tDCS and sham groups.
• A significant interaction effect revealed that males, but not females, showed reduced aggression following prefrontal tDCS.
• This is the first study to report on multi-session prefrontal tDCS effects on aggression in healthy adults.

Conclusions:

• Multi-session prefrontal tDCS did not significantly reduce aggression in the overall sample.
• Gender-specific effects were observed, with males exhibiting reduced aggression after stimulation.
• Findings suggest differential responsivity to tDCS for modulating aggressive behavior based on gender.