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High‐definition transcranial direct current stimulation in anorexia nervosa: A pilot study
Author(s) -
Phillipou Andrea,
Kirkovski Melissa,
Castle David J.,
Gurvich Caroline,
Abel Larry A.,
Miles Stephanie,
Rossell Susan L.
Publication year - 2019
Publication title -
international journal of eating disorders
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.785
H-Index - 138
eISSN - 1098-108X
pISSN - 0276-3478
DOI - 10.1002/eat.23146
Subject(s) - transcranial direct current stimulation , anorexia nervosa , psychology , brain stimulation , stimulation , randomized controlled trial , placebo , neuroscience , physical medicine and rehabilitation , psychotherapist , psychiatry , eating disorders , medicine , alternative medicine , pathology
Objective Anorexia nervosa (AN) is a serious psychiatric condition often associated with poor outcomes. Biologically informed treatments for AN, such as brain stimulation, are lacking, in part due to the unclear nature of the neurobiological contributions to the illness. However, recent research has suggested a specific neurobiological target for the treatment of AN, namely stimulation of the inferior parietal lobe (IPL). The aim of this study was to stimulate—noninvasively—the left IPL in individuals with AN using high‐definition transcranial direct current stimulation (HD‐tDCS). Method Twenty participants will be randomized to receive 10 daily sessions of HD‐tDCS or sham HD‐tDCS (placebo). Assessments will be carried out at baseline and end point, as well as 4‐ and 12‐week follow‐ups. Discussion This pilot investigation will primarily determine the feasibility and acceptability of this intervention.