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Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation Decreases P3 Amplitude and Inherent Delta Activity during a Waiting
Augusto J Mendes1,2,3, Santiago Galdo-Álvarez4, Alberto Lema1
1Psychological Neuroscience Laboratory, CIPsi, School of Psychology, University of Minho, Campus de Gualtar, 4704-553 Braga, Portugal.
Abstract:
The inability to wait for a target before initiating an action (i.e., waiting impulsivity) is one of the main features of addictive behaviors. Current interventions for addiction, such as transcranial Direct Current Stimulation (tDCS), have been suggested to improve this inability. Nonetheless, the effects of tDCS on waiting impulsivity and underlying electrophysiological (EEG) markers are still not clear. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the effects of neuromodulation over the right inferior frontal gyrus (rIFG) on the behavior and EEG markers of reward anticipation (i.e., cue and target-P3 and underlying delta/theta power) during a premature responding task. For that, forty healthy subjects participated in two experimental sessions, where they received active and sham tDCS over the rIFG combined with EEG recording during the task. To evaluate transfer effects, participants also performed two control tasks to assess delay discounting and motor inhibition. The active tDCS decreased the cue-P3 and target-P3 amplitudes, as well as delta power during target-P3. While no tDCS effects were found for motor inhibition, active tDCS increased the discounting of future rewards when compared to sham. These findings suggest a tDCS-induced modulation of the P3 component and underlying oscillatory activity during waiting impulsivity and the discounting of future rewards.
Insights
Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation (tDCS) over the right inferior frontal gyrus (rIFG) modulated brain activity during reward anticipation. Active tDCS impacted electrophysiological markers and increased future reward discounting, suggesting potential for addiction interventions.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Addiction Research
- Cognitive Psychology
Background:
- Waiting impulsivity is a key characteristic of addictive behaviors.
- Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation (tDCS) is a potential intervention for addiction.
- The precise effects of tDCS on waiting impulsivity and its electrophysiological markers remain unclear.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the impact of neuromodulation using tDCS on the right inferior frontal gyrus (rIFG).
- To assess the effects of tDCS on behavioral and electrophysiological markers of reward anticipation during a premature responding task.
- To evaluate potential transfer effects on delay discounting and motor inhibition.
Main Methods:
- Forty healthy participants underwent two experimental sessions with active and sham tDCS over the rIFG.
- Electroencephalography (EEG) was recorded during a premature responding task measuring cue and target-P3 amplitudes and delta/theta power.
- Control tasks assessed delay discounting and motor inhibition.
Main Results:
- Active tDCS significantly decreased cue-P3 and target-P3 amplitudes and delta power during target-P3.
- No significant effects of tDCS were observed on motor inhibition.
- Active tDCS led to an increased discounting of future rewards compared to sham stimulation.
Conclusions:
- tDCS over the rIFG modulates electrophysiological markers associated with waiting impulsivity and reward anticipation.
- The findings suggest tDCS influences the P3 component and underlying neural oscillations.
- tDCS may impact the cognitive processes involved in the discounting of future rewards, relevant to addiction.
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