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Dissociating prefrontal contribution to reactive and proactive aggression: a transcranial direct current stimulation
Chiara Gramegna1, Barbara Barbieri2, Nadia Bolognini3,4
1PhD Program in Neuroscience, School of Medicine and Surgery, University of Milano-Bicocca, Piazza dell'Ateneo Nuovo 1, Milan, 20126, Italy. c.gramegna@campus.unimib.it.
This study reveals that transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) affects aggression differently in males and females. dlPFC stimulation shows sex-specific modulation of proactive and reactive aggression, offering insights for future therapies.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Psychology
- Behavioral Science
Background:
- The dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (dlPFC) is implicated in aggression.
- Transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) may modulate aggressive behavior.
- Differential effects of tDCS on proactive and reactive aggression remain unexplored.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effects of bilateral dlPFC tDCS on proactive and reactive aggression.
- To examine sex-specific responses to different tDCS montages.
- To explore the relationship between aggression, impulsivity, and empathy.
Main Methods:
- 30 healthy adults participated in a double-blind, sham-controlled study.
- Bilateral dlPFC tDCS (right anodal/left cathodal, right cathodal/left anodal, sham) was applied.
- Proactive and reactive aggression were measured using modified Taylor Aggression Paradigm tasks.
Main Results:
- Males showed increased proactive aggression with both active tDCS montages.
- Reactive aggression increased in males with right cathodal/left anodal tDCS.
- Females displayed increased proactive aggression with right cathodal/left anodal tDCS and decreased reactive aggression with right anodal/left cathodal tDCS.
Conclusions:
- dlPFC tDCS exhibits sex-dependent modulation of proactive and reactive aggression.
- Findings suggest potential therapeutic applications of tDCS for aggression-related disorders.
- Individual differences in impulsivity and empathy may influence aggressive responses.
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