The Effects of Bi-Anodal tDCS Over the Prefrontal Cortex Regions With Extracephalic Reference Placement on Insight Levels and Cardio-Respiratory and Autonomic Functions in Schizophrenia Patients and Exploratory Biomarker Analyses for Treatment Response |
| |
| Authors: | Chuan-Chia Chang Yu-Chen Kao Che-Yi Chao Nian-Sheng Tzeng Hsin-An Chang |
| |
| Affiliation: | 1. Department of Psychiatry, Tri-Service General Hospital, National Defense Medical Center, Taipei, Taiwan;2. Department of Psychiatry, Tri-Service General Hospital Songshan Branch, National Defense Medical Center, Taipei, Taiwan;3. Department of Psychiatry, Cardinal Tien Hospital, New Taipei, Taiwan;4. Student Counseling Center, National Defense Medical Center, Taipei, Taiwan |
| |
| Abstract: | BackgroundWe previously showed the efficacy of bi-anodal transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) over the prefrontal cortex (PFC) regions with extracephalic reference placement in improving negative symptoms in schizophrenia. In this ancillary investigation, the effects of this intervention on insight levels, other clinical outcomes, and cardio-respiratory and autonomic functions were examined and the potential of biomarkers for treatment response was explored.MethodsSchizophrenia patients were randomly allocated to receive 10 sessions of bi-anodal tDCS over the PFC regions with extracephalic reference placement (2 mA, 20 minutes, twice daily for 5 weeks) or sham stimulation. We examined, in 60 patients at baseline, immediately after stimulation and at follow-up visits, the insight levels, other clinical outcomes, blood pressure, respiratory rate, heart rate, and heart rate variability.ResultsInsight levels as assessed by the abbreviated version of the Scale to Assess Unawareness in Mental Disorder in schizophrenia awareness of the disease, positive and negative symptoms dimensions, and beliefs about medication compliance as assessed by Medication Adherence Rating Scale were significantly enhanced by active stimulation relative to sham. No effects were observed on cognitive insight, other clinical outcomes, or cardio-respiratory and autonomic functions. Heart rate variability indices as biomarkers were not associated with the clinical response to the intervention.ConclusionsOur results provide evidence for bi-anodal tDCS over the PFC regions with extracephalic reference placement in heightening the levels of insight into the disease and symptoms, as well as beliefs about medication compliance in schizophrenia, without impacting other clinical outcomes and cardio-respiratory/autonomic functions. |
| |
| Keywords: | Schizophrenia impaired insight transcranial direct current stimulation extracephalic montage prefrontal cortex |
|
|
