The Effect of Prefrontal Cortex Stimulation on Antisocial and Aggressive Behavior

The Effect of Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation of the Prefrontal Cortex on Antisocial and Aggressive Behavior

This study investigates the effect of upregulating prefrontal cortex activity on antisocial and aggressive behavior and risk factors for such behavior. In the double-blind, randomized controlled trial, participants will undergo anodal transcranial direct current stimulation bilaterally to the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex or a sham stimulation. During and after stimulation, they will complete survey and laboratory measures assessing antisocial and aggressive behavior and risk factors for antisocial and aggressive behavior. Heart rate and skin conductance will also be measured.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Above 18 years of age
• Able to understand the nature of the study and give informed consent

Exclusion Criteria:

• History of or active neurologic, cardiovascular, or psychiatric disease
• Currently consuming anti-convulsant, anti-psychotic, or sedative/hypnotic medications
• Currently consuming anti-depressants
• History of seizures
• Metallic implants on the scalp
• Participation in other transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) or tDCS experiments on the same day
• History of adverse reactions to tDCS