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.
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.
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Purpose
BASIC_SCIENCE
Masking
SINGLE
Enrollment
45
Anode placed over the OFC or the DLPFC and cathode placed over the occipital region
Neuromodulation Research Clinic, Douglas Mental Health University Institute
Montreal, Quebec, Canada
Change in the net score of the Iowa Gambling Task
Time frame: Before and after a 30-minute tDCS session
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
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