To study the feasibility of applying tDCS to APD subjects to a) influence prefrontal asymmetries and b) assess whether the restoration of prefrontal electrophysiological balances is reflected in improved social-behavioral performance.
ID
Source
Brief title
Condition
- Personality disorders and disturbances in behaviour
Synonym
Research involving
Sponsors and support
Intervention
Outcome measures
Primary outcome
Gaze latencies in the eye-tracking task and startle amplitudes and skin
conductance amplitudes in the threat-of-shock-task.
Secondary outcome
n/a
Background summary
A series of studies suggest that psychopathic tendencies associated with a
hypoactive right versus left prefrontal cortex PFC, a region importantly
involved in emotion regulation. In the current study, we will attempt to
manipulate a prefrontal imbalance of activation using non-invasive transcranial
direct current stimulation (tDCS). The hypothesis is that after tDCS treatment
psychopathic behaviour will be reduced.
Study objective
To study the feasibility of applying tDCS to APD subjects to a) influence
prefrontal asymmetries and b) assess whether the restoration of prefrontal
electrophysiological balances is reflected in improved social-behavioral
performance.
Study design
The present study employs a double-blind, within-subjects, counterbalanced,
randomized, placebo-controlled design.
Intervention
The intervention is a tDCS (placebo and sham) stimulation.
Study burden and risks
Subjects will be subjected by the slight discomfort during the Proximity of
Threat task, during which electric shocks will be applied. These shocks are
however, uncomfortable, but not experienced as painful. Furthermore, subjects
will invest time in participating in the study. The benefit for the participant
is a financial compensation of for participation, which is explicitly stated
in the participant information. With regard to the slight investment by the
subjects, and the difficulty in performing fundamental research in people with
APD, we think the benefits for society outweighs the discomfort by the
subjects.
Heidelberglaan 1
Utrecht 3584CS
NL
Heidelberglaan 1
Utrecht 3584CS
NL
Listed location countries
Age
Inclusion criteria
- Male
- Right-handedness
- Aged between 18-45 years
- Normal or corrected-to-normal vision
- Signed informed consent
- Diagnosis of APD
- Dominant left-hemispheric EEG asymmetry
Exclusion criteria
- Metal in cranium
- History of closed-head injury
- History of neurological disorders
- Medication: current use of any psychotropic medication (benzodiazepines, antidepressants, antipsychotics, anticonvulsants)
Design
Recruitment
Followed up by the following (possibly more current) registration
No registrations found.
Other (possibly less up-to-date) registrations in this register
No registrations found.
In other registers
| Register | ID |
|---|---|
| CCMO | NL41521.041.12 |