Research on the Effects of Combined Neurostimulation Protocols on Stress

The Effects of Preconditioning Theta Burst Stimulation With Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation on Stress Regulation in Healthy Controls: a Double-blind Sham-controlled Study

The study examines the effects of the combined use of two different non-invasive brain stimulation (NIBS) techniques targeting the DLPFC on stress reactivity and recovery.

Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation (tDCS) will be combined with intermittent Theta Burst Stimulation (iTBS) in order to maximize the effects coming from each of the techniques on their own. A group of 74 healthy participants wil be submitted to two different stimulation protocols (sham tDCS + active iTBS and active tDCS + active iTBS) with one-week in between and results on stress reactivity will be examined. In order to improve therapeutic protocols, this study with healthy participants is a crucial first step in order to further conduct clinical studies with psychiatric samples.

Inclusion Criteria:

- Aged between 18-45 years old

Exclusion Criteria:

• The presence of psychiatric disorders
• Usage of psychotropic medication
• Any or cardiovascular neurological condition
• Personal or family history of epilepsy or other neurological disorders
• Unstable medical condition, as well as chronic pain conditions, (such as fibromyalgia) or increased blood pressure
• Eye disease(s)
• Current substance abuse
• Inner ear prosthesis
• Any implanted electronic device susceptible for magnetic field radiation (e.g. pacemaker)
• Any implanted metal device in the head region
• Metal objects or magnetic objects in the brain or around the head (only removable earrings & piercing are allowed)
• Recent neurosurgical interventions
• Pregnancy
• Skin problems in the head region
• Recent fractures or wounds on the hand