The main goal of the study (a 3-week, randomized, double-blind, and placebo-controlled study) is to determine the effect of Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation (tDCS) on the mental state and advances in nutritional rehabilitation in patients with AN. The primary hypothesis assumes that tDCS will reduce the symptoms of depression, improve cognition functions and it will have a positive effect on the reduction of restriction related to body weight and diet.
The aim of the study is to assess the effect of tDCS stimulation on psychological and biological factors in patient suffering for AN with particular attention to the safety of such additional therapy. Transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) is a non-invasive and currently considered safe method of neurostimulation. It is based on the use of direct current of very low intensity, up to 2000uA-2mA, and supplying it to the brain through electrodes placed on the scalp. In this way, the polarity of the cell membranes of neurons is induced, and this influences changes in the cortical excitation of the brain. Results confirming the efficacy of such a therapeutic approach would provide support for the introduction of brain stimulations as a valuable part of treatment in psychiatric wards but also as a part of home-based treatment. The protocol was developed by a multidisciplinary researcher team of a psychiatrist, psychologist, psychotherapist and nutritionists. Thanks to this, it is possible to evaluate the progress taking place in various fields. To the best of our knowledge, this will be the first intervention study assessing the efficacy of tDCS in AN taking into account not only psychological tests, but also biochemical markers (including levels of neurotrophins) or the electrical activity of the brain.
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Purpose
TREATMENT
Masking
SINGLE
Enrollment
40
Patients will be receiving twice a day tDCS (applied current at 2mA) stimulation, for 3 weeks on working days (30 sessions in total) and each stimulation will last 25 minutes. The anode will be located on the left, while the cathode- on the right dorsolateral prefrontal area of scalp. The commercially available Soterix 1x1 tDCS mini-CT LTE device (model 1601-LTE) will be used for stimulation.
Patients will be receiving twice a day sham stimulation, for 3 weeks on working days (30 sessions in total) and each stimulation will last 25 minutes. The anode will be located on the left, while the cathode- on the right dorsolateral prefrontal area of scalp. The commercially available Soterix 1x1 tDCS mini-CT LTE device (model 1601-LTE) will be used for stimulation.
Ist Department of Psychiatry, Psychotherapy and Early Intervention
Lublin, Lublin Voivodeship, Poland
Change in severity of eating disorder symptoms 1
The severity of symptoms will be assessed with Eating Attitudes Test (EAT-26)
Time frame: The test will be performed four times: Before stimulation, baseline (V1), immediately after stimulation (V2) two weeks after the intervention (V3), and two months after the intervention (V4)
Change in severity of eating disorder symptoms 2
The severity of symptoms will be assessed with Eating Disorder Examination Questionnaire (EDE-Q 6.0).
Time frame: The test will be performed three times: Before stimulation, baseline (V1), immediately after stimulation (V2) and two weeks after the intervention (V3)
Change in eating habits and opinions about food and nutrition
To evaluate changes in eating habits and opinions about food and nutrition the Questionnaire of Eating Behaviours (QEB) will be used. It is a qualitative questionnaire designed to study eating habits and opinions about food and nutrition. The first part of the questionnaire covers the frequency of consumption of selected products, the frequency of eating meals and their typical composition. In the second part of the questionnaire, there are 26 statements about food and nutrition, which enable the assessment of the level of nutritional knowledge of the respondents.
Time frame: The test will be performed two times: Before stimulation, baseline (V1) and two weeks after intervention (V3)
Change in food intake variety
Food Intake Variety will be assessed with The Variety Food Consumption Questionnaire. It is a qualitative food consumption frequency questionnaire. It is a simple tool to collect information on the consumption of (yes / no) 63 assortment groups of products.
Time frame: The test will be performed three times: Before stimulation, baseline (V1), immediately after stimulation (V2) and two weeks after the intervention (V3)
Change in assessment of stress levels
The severity of stress will be assessed with Perceived Stress Scale (PSS-10). This test consists 10 questions and is used to measure stress based on subjective feelings related to problems and personal events, behavior, coping with stress.
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Time frame: The test will be performed four times: Before stimulation, baseline (V1), immediately after stimulation (V2) two weeks after the intervention (V3), and two months after the intervention (V4)
Change in severity of depressive symptoms 1
Severity of depressive symptoms will be assessed with Beck's Depression Inventory (BDI)
Time frame: The tests will be performed twice: Before stimulation, baseline (V1) and immediately after stimulation (V2)
Change in severity of depressive symptoms 2
Severity of depressive symptoms will be assessed with Questionnaire for the Diagnosis of Depression in Children and Adolescents (CDI2).
Time frame: The tests will be performed three times: Before stimulation, baseline (V1), immediately after stimulation (V2), and two months after the intervention (V4)
Change in meta-cognition
To assess metacognitive abilities Meta-Cognition Questionnaire (MCQ-A) will be used. Reliable and valid instrument for measuring meta-cognitive beliefs in adolescents (12-18 lat). The MCQ-A assesses the severity of dysfunctional meta-cognitive beliefs in adolescents (12-18) that affect their daily functioning. The first and second subscales measures "positive and negative beliefs about worry," Subscale 3 measures "cognitive confidence," Subscale 4 measures "beliefs about superstition, punishment and responsibility". Finally, subscale 5 measures "cognitive self-consciousness,".
Time frame: The test will be performed three times: Before stimulation, baseline (V1), immediately after stimulation (V2), and two months after the intervention (V4)
Change in attention and perceptiveness
To assess levels of attention Color connection test (CTT-1, CTT-2) and Test of attention and perceptiveness will be used.
Time frame: The test will be performed two times: Before stimulation, baseline (V1) and immediately after stimulation (V2)
Change in intensity of intrusive thoughts
To assess intensity of intrusive thoughts CY-BOCS scale will be used
Time frame: The test will be performed two times: Before stimulation, baseline (V1) and immediately after stimulation (V2)
Change in intensity of rumination
To assess intensity of rumination the Ruminance-Reflectivity Questionnaire will be used
Time frame: The test will be performed two times: Before stimulation, baseline (V1) and immediately after stimulation (V2)
Change in visual memory
To assess visual memory test BENTON will be used. This test is used to test memory, visual perception and graphomotor skills. The examined person draws the presented patterns (10 pieces) from memory or redraws them, depending on the version and methods of the research carried out by the researcher.
Time frame: The test will be performed two times: Before stimulation, baseline (V1) and immediately after stimulation (V2)
Change in body image self-esteem
To assess body image self-esteem Appearance Self-Rating Sheet (ASRS) will be used. Assessment of 25 dimensions related to your body - (different parts of your body). The patient receives a visualization of the body figure on the drawing and evaluates its individual elements. The test allows you to assess the importance of appearance for patients, the assessment of satisfaction with one's appearance and the satisfaction index. The SES self-assessment questionnaire will also be used
Time frame: The test will be performed three times: Before stimulation, baseline (V1), immediately after stimulation (V2) and two weeks after the intervention (V3)
Change in cognitive abilities 1
To assess cognitive abilities Matching Familiar Figures Test (MFF)
Time frame: The test will be performed two times: Before stimulation, baseline (V1) and immediately after stimulation (V2)
Change in cognitive abilities 2
To assess cognitive abilities Verbal Fluency Test will be used.
Time frame: The test will be performed two times: Before stimulation, baseline (V1) and immediately after stimulation (V2)
Change in self-esteem
The Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale (SES) will be used. SES is a tool for assessing the level of general self-esteem - a relatively stable disposition understood as a conscious attitude (positive or negative) towards the Self
Time frame: The test will be performed three times: Before stimulation, baseline (V1), immediately after stimulation (V2) and two weeks after the intervention (V3)
Change in emotion regulation
A shortened 16-item version of a questionnaire designed for the rapid assessment of difficulties in emotion regulation Difficulties in Emotion Regulation Scale DERS-16 wil be performed. The scale measures five domains, such as lack of emotional acceptance, impulsivity, and difficulties with goal-directed behavior, using a 5-point scale.
Time frame: The test will be performed three times: at baseline (V1), immediately after stimulation (V2), and 2 months after stimulation (V4).
Change in autistic traits
The Autism Spectrum Quotient (AQ) is a self-administered questionnaire used to measure the degree to which a person shows autistic traits.
Time frame: The test will be administered three times: at baseline (V1), immediately after stimulation (V2), and 2 months after stimulation (V4).
Change in mental states
The questionnaire Mentalization Scale (MentS) is used for a rapid assessment of the capacity to reflect on mental states (emotions, intentions, and beliefs).
Time frame: The test will be administered three times: at baseline (V1), immediately after stimulation (V2), and 2 months after stimulation (V4).
Change in body-related conversations
Family Talk Questionnaire Fat Talk refers to negative, body-related conversations between girls or young women.
Time frame: The test will be peformed three times: at baseline (V1), immediately after stimulation (V2), and 2 months after stimulation (V4).
Change in cognitive functions
A neuropsychological diagnostic tool Rey-Osterrieth Complex Figure used to assess visuospatial abilities, visual memory, and executive functions (planning and organization).
Time frame: The test will be performed twice: at baseline (V1), immediately after stimulation (V2)
Change in anxiety level
The STAI (State-Trait Anxiety Inventory) is a psychological tool used to measure anxiety as both a state (a temporary feeling of tension) and a trait (a stable personality disposition). It consists of two subscales (X-1 and X-2, or Y-1 and Y-2), each containing 20 questions, with scores ranging from 20 to 80 points.
Time frame: The test will be performed three times: at baseline (V1), immediately after stimulation (V2), and 2 months after stimulation (V4).
Change in electrolyte levels
To evaluate electrolyte levels (mmol/l) in blood serum following tests will be performed: sodium, phosphorus, magnesium, calcium, potasium
Time frame: The test will be performed two times: Before stimulation, baseline (V1) and immediately after stimulation (V2)
Change in morphotic elements 1
To evaluate morphotic elements complete morphology with smear will be performed: RBC - Red Blood Cell (M/µl)
Time frame: The test will be performed two times: Before stimulation, baseline (V1) and immediately after stimulation (V2)
Change in morphotic elements 2
To evaluate morphotic elements complete morphology with smear will be performed: Hemoglobin (mmol/l) Mean Corpuscular Hemoglobin Concentration (mmol/l)
Time frame: The test will be performed two times: Before stimulation, baseline (V1) and immediately after stimulation (V2)
Change in morphotic elements 3
To evaluate morphotic elements complete morphology with smear will be performed: Hematocrit
Time frame: The test will be performed two times: Before stimulation, baseline (V1) and immediately after stimulation (V2)
Change in morphotic elements 4
To evaluate morphotic elements complete morphology with smear will be performed: Mean Corpuscular Volume (fl)
Time frame: The test will be performed two times: Before stimulation, baseline (V1) and immediately after stimulation (V2)
Change in morphotic elements 5
To evaluate morphotic elements complete morphology with smear will be performed: Mean Corpuscular Hemoglobin (pg)
Time frame: The test will be performed two times: Before stimulation, baseline (V1) and immediately after stimulation (V2)
Change in morphotic elements 6
To evaluate morphotic elements complete morphology with smear will be performed: Ferritin ( ng/ml)
Time frame: The test will be performed two times: Before stimulation, baseline (V1) and immediately after stimulation (V2)
Change in morphotic elements 7
To evaluate morphotic elements complete morphology with smear will be performed: White Blood Cell (K/µl) Lymphocytes (K/µl)
Time frame: The test will be performed two times: Before stimulation, baseline (V1) and immediately after stimulation (V2)
Change in morphotic elements 8
To evaluate morphotic elements complete morphology with smear will be performed: Monocytes (G/l)
Time frame: The test will be performed two times: Before stimulation, baseline (V1) and immediately after stimulation (V2)
Metabolic changes 1
To evaluate metabolic changes in blood serum Thyroid parameters will be examined: FT3 (pmol/l), FT4 (pmol/l)
Time frame: The test will be performed two times: Before stimulation, baseline (V1) and immediately after stimulation (V2)
Metabolic changes 2
To evaluate metabolic changes in blood serum the pituitary gland parameter will be examined: TSH (µIU/ml)
Time frame: The test will be performed two times: Before stimulation, baseline (V1) and immediately after stimulation (V2)
Neurophysiologic changes 1
To evaluate neurophysiologic changes EEG (theta and alpha wave power) test will be performed
Time frame: The test will be performed two times: Before stimulation, baseline (V1) and immediately after stimulation (V2)
Change in neurotrophin levels
To evaluate neurotrophin levels in blood serum tests will be performed: BDNF (pg/ml), Neurotrphin 3 and 4 (pg/ml), NGF (pg/ml)
Time frame: The test will be performed two times: Before stimulation, baseline (V1) and immediately after stimulation (V2)
Change in food intake regulators:
To evaluate food intake regulators in blood serum tests will be performed: leptin (pg/ml), visfatin (pg/ml)
Time frame: The test will be performed two times: Before stimulation, baseline (V1) and immediately after stimulation (V2)
Body composition changes 1
To evaluate body composition changes BIA body composition analysis will be performed: Body weight (kg)
Time frame: The test will be performed four times: Before stimulation, baseline (V1), immediately after stimulation (V2), two weeks after the intervention (V3), and two months after the intervention (V4)
Body composition changes 2
To evaluate body composition changes BIA body composition analysis will be performed: Intracellular and extracellular water (l/%)
Time frame: The test will be performed four times: Before stimulation, baseline (V1), immediately after stimulation (V2), two weeks after the intervention (V3), and two months after the intervention (V4)
Body composition changes 3
To evaluate body composition changes BIA body composition analysis will be performed: Lean body mass (kg/%)
Time frame: The test will be performed four times: Before stimulation, baseline (V1), immediately after stimulation (V2), two weeks after the intervention (V3), and two months after the intervention (V4)
Body composition changes 4
To evaluate body composition changes BIA body composition analysis will be performed: Fat mass (kg/%)
Time frame: The test will be performed four times: Before stimulation, baseline (V1), immediately after stimulation (V2), two weeks after the intervention (V3), and two months after the intervention (V4)
Changes in HPA axis biomarker
To evaluate HPA axis cortisol (nmol/l) in blood serum will be tested
Time frame: The test will be performed two times: Before stimulation, baseline (V1) and immediately after stimulation (V2)
Metabolic changes 3
To evaluate metabolic changes in blood serum Total Protein parameter will be examined.
Time frame: The test will be performed two times: Before stimulation, baseline (V1) and immediately after stimulation (V2)
Metabolic changes 4
To evaluate metabolic changes in blood serum the glucosis level will be performed.
Time frame: The test will be performed two times: Before stimulation, baseline (V1) and immediately after stimulation (V2)
Cardiac Parameter Changes
To evaluate changes in cardiac parameters in blood serum, NT-proBNP will be measured (pg/mL).
Time frame: The test will be performed two times: Before stimulation, baseline (V1) and immediately after stimulation (V2)
Metabolic changes 5
To evaluate metabolic changes in blood serum, a lipid profile parameter will be measured: total cholesterol (mg/dL)
Time frame: The test will be performed two times: Before stimulation, baseline (V1) and immediately after stimulation (V2)
Metabolic changes 6
To evaluate metabolic changes in blood serum, a lipid profile parameter will be measured: LDL cholesterol (mg/dL).
Time frame: The test will be performed two times: Before stimulation, baseline (V1) and immediately after stimulation (V2).
Metabolic changes 7
To evaluate metabolic changes in blood serum, a lipid profile parameter will be measured: triglycerides (mg/dL).
Time frame: The test will be performed two times: Before stimulation, baseline (V1) and immediately after stimulation (V2).
Metabolic changes 8
To evaluate metabolic changes in blood serum, a lipid profile parameter will be measured: non-HDL cholesterol (mg/dL).
Time frame: The test will be performed two times: Before stimulation, baseline (V1) and immediately after stimulation (V2)