Use of tDCS (Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation) Applied to the Orbitofrontal Cortex to Improve Risky Decision-making in a Clinical Population: a Proof-of-concept Study
Decision-making is a complex cognitive function that has been the subject of extensive scientific research in the fields of cognitive and computational neuroscience. It relies on a cerebral network that encompasses cortico-subcortical pathways. The orbitofrontal cortex (OFC) plays a significant role in decision-making by assigning values to guide choices. Risky decision-making is observed in several psychiatric pathologies, including depression and bipolar disorder, and it may constitute an endophenotype of suicide. In the project presented here, we propose to use transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) to target decision-making in patients suffering from mood disorders.
• 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.