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

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

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.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Men or women aged 18 to 60 years

Exclusion Criteria:

• Presence any psychiatric and/or neurological illness
• Psychoactive substance abuse/dependence in the past 6 months
• Current use of medication(s) that might influence cognition and/or affective status
• Presence of an uncontrolled medical disease (e.g., cardiovascular, renal)
• Pregnancy and/or lactation
• Specific contraindication for tDCS (e.g., metallic head implant).