This study investigates whether anxiety, trauma and aggression complaints decrease through brain stimulation.
Brain stimulation for anxiety, trauma and aggression complaints
In previous research, we showed that about half of the post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) patients were free of symptoms after six months of trauma-focused therapy. However, half of these patients with PTSD still had serious complaints. One of the recommendations from this study was to see whether we can do something for this chronic patient group by means of brain stimulation techniques.
Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation, or tDCS, is a commonly used technique to stimulate or inhibit brain functions. Prefrontal stimulation appears to provide an opportunity to increase self-regulation and control of emotional responses. This effect could also be of therapeutic importance for patients with PTSD, anxiety complaints and aggression regulation problems. In addition to an RCT on the effectiveness of tDCS, a number of questions regarding the mechanisms of action of tDCS are investigated. In addition we also explore the experiences of patients and care providers with such a tDCS intervention using qualitative research.
Project overview
Target:
- Investigating whether impulse control improves with the help of brain stimulation in the form of tDCS.
- Investigating whether anxiety, trauma and aggression complaints decrease with the help of tDCS.
Target group:
Soldiers and veterans (18-60 years) who are being treated for PTSD, anxiety or aggression complaints.
Time course:
June 2016 - present.
Results:
Not yet available - expected late 2020.