Acute stress alters prefrontal resting-state networks and tES restores functional connectivity.
J Affect DisordMay 15, 2026 (epub)
Zhihua Guo, Yue Gong, Rui Qiu et al.
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In 30 seconds
This randomized controlled trial examined the effects of acute stress on prefrontal resting-state connectivity in 196 healthy male undergraduates. Results indicated that acute stress altered connectivity patterns, while pre-stress transcranial electrical stimulation (tES) effectively restored functional connectivity, particularly with tACS showing broader effects compared to tDCS.
Key findings
- Acute stress suppressed adaptive interhemispheric connectivity and reduced left DLPFC centrality.
- Pre-stress tES, especially tACS, counteracted stress-induced connectivity alterations.
- tACS demonstrated more widespread effects across the prefrontal cortex than tDCS.
Why it matters
Understanding how acute stress impacts brain connectivity is crucial for developing interventions. The potential of tES, particularly tACS, to mitigate these effects may inform future strategies for managing stress-related disorders.