tDCS for PTSD: Can Brain Stimulation Alleviate Trauma Symptoms?

Author Names:

Mohammad Javad Ahmadizadeh, Mehdi Rezaei, Paul B. Fitzgerald

Published Date: September 24, 2019

Source: Brain Research Bulletin

Abstract: 

This study explores the efficacy of transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) for treating post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and its sub-symptoms. A randomized, double-blind, controlled trial with 40 participants compared the effects of 10 sessions of tDCS (2 mA) on the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC) against a sham stimulation.

Results showed significant reductions in PTSD symptoms, hyper-arousal, and negative alterations in cognition and mood for the active stimulation group compared to the sham group.

Key Concepts:

• PTSD (Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder): A mental health condition triggered by experiencing or witnessing a traumatic event.
• tDCS (Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation): A non-invasive brain stimulation technique that uses a low electric current to modulate neuronal activity.
• DLPFC (Dorsolateral Prefrontal Cortex): A region of the brain involved in executive functions, such as working memory and emotional regulation.

Procedure Highlight - Research Methodology:

1. Participants: 40 right-handed individuals (26 females, 14 males) with PTSD, recruited from outpatient clinics at the Atieh Clinical Neuroscience Center in Tehran, Iran.
2. Study Design: Double-blind, sham-controlled, randomized, parallel-group study.
3. tDCS Sessions: 10 sessions of 2 mA tDCS applied to the right (cathode) and left (anode) DLPFC.
4. Data Collection: Participants were tested at three points: pre-treatment, post-treatment, and 30 days after the final treatment session.
5. Analysis: Statistical analyses were performed using SPSS, comparing the active tDCS group to the sham group through multiple analysis of variance (MANOVA) and mixed model analysis.

Results - Findings of Research:

• Symptom Reduction: Significant reductions in PTSD symptoms, hyper-arousal, and negative alterations in cognition and mood in the active tDCS group compared to the sham group at post-treatment and follow-up.
• Re-experiencing Symptoms: Greater reductions in re-experiencing sub-symptoms from baseline to post-test in the active group; however, follow-up differences were not significant.
• Avoidance Symptoms: No significant differences between the active and sham groups for avoidance sub-symptoms at post-test and follow-up.

Discussion and Conclusion: 

The study supports the efficacy of 10 sessions of bilateral DLPFC tDCS delivered at 2 mA for the treatment of PTSD symptoms. Active tDCS showed greater improvements in PTSD severity, hyper-arousal, negative alterations in cognition and mood, as well as depressive and anxiety symptoms compared to sham tDCS.

However, there were no significant differences in avoidance sub-symptoms. These findings suggest that tDCS can be an effective alternative treatment for PTSD, though further research is needed to explore its impact on different PTSD subtypes.

Link to Original Paper: Transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD): A randomized, double-blinded, controlled trial

Author Information:

• Mohammad Javad Ahmadizadeh, Behavioral Science Research Center, Life Style Institute, Baqiyatallah University of Medical Science, Tehran, Iran
• Mehdi Rezaei, Behavioral Science Research Center, Life Style Institute, Baqiyatallah University of Medical Science, Tehran, Iran
• Paul B. Fitzgerald, Epworth Centre for Innovation in Mental Health, The Epworth Clinic, Camberwell, Victoria, Australia, 3124, and Monash University Central Clinical School, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia

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