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Open Access 01-12-2022 | Nerve Stimulation | Study protocol

The use of transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) to reduce impulsivity and aggression in adults with mild intellectual developmental disabilities: the tDCS-RIADD randomised controlled trial protocol

Authors: Najat Khalifa, Emily R. Hawken, Andrew Bickle, Mariel Cabrera, Travis Heath, Andrew Drury, Jessica Jones, Muhammad Ayub

Published in: Trials | Issue 1/2022

Abstract

Background

Challenging behaviours, in particular aggressive behaviours, are prevalent among people with intellectual developmental disabilities. Predictors of challenging behaviours are numerous, including past history of aggression, poor coping skills and impulsivity. Factors like motor or rapid-response impulsivity (RRI) have neurobiological underpinnings that may be amenable to change via neuromodulation using non-invasive brain stimulation techniques like transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS).

Methods

This study aims to determine the efficacy of anodal tDCS in reducing RRI and incidents of aggression in people with intellectual developmental disabilities (IDD) in residential or hospital settings. Using a single blind, randomised, sham-controlled trial design, adults with IDD, with a history of impulsivity leading to aggression, will be randomised to receive either repetitive anodal or sham tDCS applied to the left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex. Outcome measures assessing impulsivity and aggression will be collected for up to 1 month following the last tDCS session.

Discussion

The results of this study may pave the way for developing targeted interventions for impulsivity and aggressive behaviours in people with IDD.

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Title: The use of transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) to reduce impulsivity and aggression in adults with mild intellectual developmental disabilities: the tDCS-RIADD randomised controlled trial protocol
Authors: Najat Khalifa
Emily R. Hawken
Andrew Bickle
Mariel Cabrera
Travis Heath
Andrew Drury
Jessica Jones
Muhammad Ayub
Publication date: 01-12-2022
Publisher: BioMed Central
Keyword: Nerve Stimulation
Published in: Trials / Issue 1/2022
Electronic ISSN: 1745-6215
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1186/s13063-022-06350-5

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

The use of transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) to reduce impulsivity and aggression in adults with mild intellectual developmental disabilities: the tDCS-RIADD randomised controlled trial protocol

Abstract

Background

Methods

Discussion

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Background

Methods

Discussion

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