Transcranial Electrical Stimulation in the Treatment of Acute Anxiety Induced by Stressful Life Events: A Pilot Study

Inclusion Criteria: * Age 18-65 years * Naïve to tDCS * Right-handed * Impact of Event Scale Scores ≥ 30 Exclusion Criteria: * Metal implants inside skull or eye * Severe skin lesions at the electrode placement area * History of epilepsy or previous seizures * Pregnant or breast-feeding * Pacemaker * History of intracerebral bleeding during the past six months * Major psychiatric conditions according to the Structured Clinical Interview for DSM-IV Disorders, i.e., Lifetime diagnoses of bipolar mood disorder or psychotic disorder * DSM-IV diagnosis for one or more of the following conditions during the past six months: unipolar mood disorder, anxiety disorders, eating disorders, or substance dependence/abuse. * Use of psychotropic medication (i.e., antipsychotic and antidepressant medications, mood stabilizers, psychostimulants, hypnotics and tranquilizers) during the past six months