Cumulative and Booster Effects of Multisession Prefrontal Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation in Adolescents with ASD

Launched by THE HONG KONG POLYTECHNIC UNIVERSITY · Aug 5, 2022

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

This clinical trial is studying a treatment called transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) to see if it can help reduce some symptoms of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) in adolescents. ASD affects a child's ability to communicate, relate to others, and manage emotions, which can be challenging for them and their families. The researchers want to find out if tDCS, particularly when used in multiple sessions and followed by booster sessions, can lead to long-lasting improvements in symptoms like anxiety, aggression, and social communication.

To be eligible for this trial, participants need to have a confirmed diagnosis of ASD by a clinical psychologist. They should be between 14 and 18 years old and must be willing to stop taking certain medications, like ADHD treatments, before starting the study. Participants who have other serious health issues, such as epilepsy or significant mood disorders, will not be included. Those who join the study can expect to receive tDCS treatment over several sessions and may also be invited for additional booster sessions to see if this helps maintain benefits over time. This trial is currently looking for participants, so families interested in learning more are encouraged to reach out.

Gender

ALL

Eligibility criteria

• Inclusion Criteria:
• • Individuals who are confirmed by a clinical psychologist based on the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders-5th Ed (DSM-V) criteria of Autism spectrum disorder and structured interview with their parents or primary caregivers on their developmental history using the Autism Diagnostic Interview-Revised (ADI-R).
• • Individuals with ASD who are comorbid with ADHD symptoms will be included if they were willing to abstain from the use of these medications at least 96 hours before the commencement, until the completion, of the treatment.
• • In view of the fact that neuroadaptation to antipsychotics typically occurs within six months, potential participants who are prescribed antipsychotic medications will only be included if the dosage of the medication remained unchanged for six months or more before the experimental period.
• Exclusion Criteria:
• • Individuals without a confirmed diagnosis from the clinical psychologist, with a history of other neurological and psychiatric disorders and head trauma, or on psychiatric medication will be excluded from the study.
• • In view of the possibility of seizure induction by tDCS, potential ASD participants comorbid with epilepsy will be excluded.
• • Potential participants comorbid with mood or anxiety disorders will also be excluded.