Effectiveness of transcranial direct current stimulation with and without positive mood induction on worry and transdiagnostic cognitive-emotional processes: A randomized controlled trial.
Fateme Shahsavari, Farzad Nasiri, Mehdi Zemestani
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In 30 seconds
This randomized controlled trial examined the effects of transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) with and without positive mood induction on worry and cognitive-emotional processes in 45 individuals with high worry levels. Results indicated that both active interventions significantly improved outcomes such as attentional bias and working memory compared to a sham control, with the combined intervention yielding greater benefits, particularly in working memory and emotion regulation.
Key findings
- Both tDCS groups showed significant improvements in attentional bias and worry compared to controls (p < 0.05).
- The combined tDCS and positive mood induction group had greater gains in working memory and problem solving (p < 0.05).
- Reductions in attentional bias and worry were significantly greater in the combined intervention group (p < 0.001).
- All effects were sustained at one-month follow-up (p < 0.05).
Why it matters
The study highlights the potential of tDCS, especially when combined with positive mood induction, to effectively reduce worry and enhance cognitive-emotional functioning in individuals with high levels of worry, suggesting new avenues for therapeutic interventions.