Use of tDCS Applied to the Orbitofrontal Cortex to Improve Risky Decision-making in a Clinical Population

Launched by CENTRE HOSPITALIER ST ANNE · Oct 25, 2023

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

This clinical trial is studying a treatment called transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS), which involves applying a gentle electrical current to a specific part of the brain known as the orbitofrontal cortex. This area is important for making decisions, especially when it comes to weighing risks and benefits. Researchers believe that improving decision-making could help individuals with mood disorders like depression and bipolar disorder, which can lead to risky choices and even thoughts of suicide.

To participate in this trial, you should be between 18 and 65 years old and diagnosed with unipolar or bipolar depressive disorder. This includes those currently experiencing depression, those in partial recovery, or those who are fully recovered but still meet the criteria. Participants will be asked to provide consent and must be enrolled in a social security plan. It's important to note that the trial excludes individuals who are pregnant, currently undergoing certain treatments, or have specific medical conditions. If you take part in this study, you can expect to receive targeted brain stimulation to see if it helps improve your decision-making abilities.

Gender

ALL

Eligibility criteria

• Inclusion Criteria:
• • Patients under consideration should either be receiving outpatient or inpatient care.
• • Patients must be between the ages of 18 and 65, inclusive.
• • According to DSM-5 criteria, patients should be diagnosed with either unipolar or bipolar depressive disorder. This includes individuals currently experiencing a characterized depressive episode with mild to moderate intensity, those in partial remission, or those in full remission.
• • Patients must have provided informed consent.
• • Patients should be enrolled in a social security plan.
• Exclusion Criteria:
• • Patient unwilling to participate in the research.
• • Non-French-speaking individuals.
• • Individuals deprived of liberty by judicial or administrative decision, such as those under guardianship or curatorship or involuntarily hospitalized.
• • Pregnant or breastfeeding women.
• • Current hypomanic or manic episode as per DSM-5 criteria due to motor agitation issues.
• • Ongoing electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) treatment or within the last 6 months.
• • Patients with active implantable medical devices.
• • Epilepsy.