MRI-tDCS Criticism Study

NCT07406464 | Completed

• 1 other identifier: Approved by UZ Gent EC
• Study Type: interventional
• Target: 47
• Locations: 1 country
• Sites: 1

Brief Summary

This experimental study investigated how MRI-compatible transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) over the left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC) modulates neural and cognitive responses to social criticism in healthy volunteers. Participants underwent two MRI sessions - one with active and one with sham stimulation - in a randomized, double-blind, cross-over design. During stimulation, they completed resting-state and task-based fMRI scans including exposure to critical, neutral, and praising auditory comments, followed by behavioral and self-report measures of rumination, mood, and implicit self-esteem.

Conditions

Healthy Participant Study

Keywords

tDCS; Criticism; neuronavigation; DLPFC; fMRI; MRI; DNA; ASL

Outcome Measures

Primary Outcomes (3)

• Change in perfusion

  Cerebral blood flow measured using arterial spin labeling (ASL) functional MRI before and after tDCS and after the criticism paradigm. Unit of Measure: mL/100 g/min

  Baseline; during tDCS; immediately post-tDCS; and immediately post-criticism paradigm (single study visit)

• Neural reactivity to praise and criticism

  Blood-oxygen-level dependent (BOLD) signal change during blocks of praising, neutral, and critical comments measured using task-based fMRI. Unit of Measure: Percent signal change (or beta values from the general linear model)

  Periprocedural

• Resting-state functional connectivity within emotion-regulation networks

  Functional connectivity strength between prefrontal and limbic regions measured using resting-state fMRI before, during, and after tDCS. Unit of Measure: Fisher-z transformed correlation coefficients

  Baseline; immediately post-tDCS; and immediately post-criticism paradigm (single study visit)

Secondary Outcomes (9)

• Change in momentary rumination

  Baseline; immediately post-tDCS; and immediately post-criticism paradigm (single study visit)

• Implicit self-esteem (Implicit Relational Assessment Procedure, IRAP)

  Baseline and post tDCS

• Spatial deviation between targeting methods

  Baseline (prior to any intervention)

• Mood ratings-tension

  Baseline; immediately post-tDCS; and immediately post-criticism paradigm (single study visit)

• Momentary mood ratings - fatigue

  Baseline; immediately post-tDCS; and immediately post-criticism paradigm (single study visit)

Other Outcomes (8)

• Serotonin transporter genotype

  Baseline (prior to any intervention)

• Temperament and Character Inventory (TCI)

  Baseline (prior to any intervention)

• Perceived criticism sensitivity

  Baseline (prior to any intervention)

Study Arms (2)

Active tDCS

ACTIVE COMPARATOR

Participants receive MRI-compatible transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) using a NeuroConn DC-Stimulator MR. A constant current of 1.5 mA is applied for 20 minutes with the anodal electrode positioned over the left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC) using neuronavigation and the cathodal electrode positioned over the contralateral supra-orbital area. Stimulation is delivered while participants are in the MRI scanner.

Device: tDCS

Sham tDCS

PLACEBO COMPARATOR

Participants receive sham MRI-compatible transcranial direct current stimulation using a NeuroConn DC-Stimulator MR. The electrodes are positioned identically to the active condition. The current is ramped up and down during the first 30 seconds to mimic the initial sensation of stimulation, after which no current is delivered for the remainder of the 20-minute session. Stimulation is administered while participants are in the MRI scanner.

Device: tDCS

Interventions

tDCS DEVICE

Participants are randomized to receive either active or sham tDCS during MRI scanning. Neuroimaging and behavioral outcomes are used to assess the effects of stimulation on emotion-related brain networks.

Active tDCS; Sham tDCS

Eligibility Criteria

• Age: 18 Years - 35 Years
• Gender Eligibility Details: Female
• Healthy Volunteers: Yes
• Age Groups: Adult (18-64)

You may qualify if:

• Female participants aged 18-35 years.
• Right-handed, healthy volunteers.
• No current or past psychiatric or neurological disorder as assessed by structured clinical interview (M.I.N.I.).
• MRI-compatible (no metal implants, pacemaker, or contraindications for MRI scanning).
• Not taking psychotropic medication.
• Fluent in Dutch.
• Provided written informed consent.

You may not qualify if:

• Current or past major depressive episode or any other psychiatric disorder.
• History of epilepsy or seizures in participant
• History of neurological illness or neurosurgical intervention.
• Pregnancy.
• Claustrophobia or inability to tolerate MRI environment.
• Metal implants or other MRI-incompatible devices.
• Skin lesions or dermatological conditions at electrode sites.
• Unstable medical condition.
• Use of medication that could influence brain activity or mood.

Sponsors & Collaborators

• Universitair Ziekenhuis Brussel: lead
• University Ghent: collaborator

Study Sites (1)

UZ Gent

Ghent, Oost-Vlaanderen, 9000, Belgium

Location

MeSH Terms

Interventions

Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation

Intervention Hierarchy (Ancestors)

Electric Stimulation Therapy; Therapeutics; Convulsive Therapy; Psychiatric Somatic Therapies; Behavioral Disciplines and Activities; Electroshock; Psychological Techniques

Study Design

• Study Type: interventional
• Phase: not applicable
• Allocation: RANDOMIZED
• Masking: SINGLE
• Who Masked: PARTICIPANT
• Purpose: BASIC SCIENCE
• Intervention Model: CROSSOVER
• Sponsor Type: OTHER
• Responsible Party: PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR
• PI Title: Dr.

Study Record Dates

• First Submitted: November 26, 2025
• First Posted: February 12, 2026
• Study Start: July 9, 2013
• Primary Completion: March 2, 2014
• Study Completion: March 2, 2014
• Last Updated: February 12, 2026

Record last verified: 2025-12

Data Sharing

• IPD Sharing: Will not share

Locations

BE (1)