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

Study Status: Completed
Recruit Status: Completed
Study Type: Interventional

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

Brief 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 Summary: 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.
Sponsor: Douglas Mental Health University Institute

Current Primary Outcome: Change in the net score of the Iowa Gambling Task [ Time Frame: Before and after a 30-minute tDCS session ]

Original Primary Outcome: Change in the Iowa Gambling Task [ Time Frame: Before and after a 30-minute tDCS session ]

Current Secondary Outcome:

  • Change in the "average-adjusted number of pumps" in the Balloon Analog Risk Task [ Time Frame: Before and after a 30-minute tDCS session ]
  • Change in the number of risky choices in the Game of Dice Task [ Time Frame: Before and after a 30-minute tDCS session ]
  • Change in the number of commission errors in the Continuous Performance Task [ Time Frame: Before and after a 30-minute tDCS session ]
  • Change in the interference index in the Stroop Color-Word Test [ Time Frame: Before and after a 30-minute tDCS session ]
  • Change in the stop-signal reaction time in the Stop-Signal Task [ Time Frame: Before and after a 30-minute tDCS session ]


Original Secondary Outcome:

  • Change in the Balloon Analog Risk Task [ Time Frame: Before and after a 30-minute tDCS session ]
  • Change in the Game of Dice Task [ Time Frame: Before and after a 30-minute tDCS session ]
  • Change in the Continuous Performance Task [ Time Frame: Before and after a 30-minute tDCS session ]
  • Change in the Stroop Color-Word Test [ Time Frame: Before and after a 30-minute tDCS session ]
  • Change in the Ultimatum Game Task [ Time Frame: Before and after a 30-minute tDCS session ]


Information By: Douglas Mental Health University Institute

Dates:
Date Received: January 16, 2013
Date Started: January 2013
Date Completion:
Last Updated: October 2, 2014
Last Verified: October 2014