Neuromodulatory Effect of Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation on Resting-State EEG Activity in Internet Gaming Disorder: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Sham-Controlled Parallel Group Trial

Ji-Yoon Lee, Joon Hwan Jang, A Ruem Choi, Sun Ju Chung, Bomi Kim, Minkyung Park, Sohee Oh, Myung Hun Jung, Jung-Seok Choi, Ji-Yoon Lee, Joon Hwan Jang, A Ruem Choi, Sun Ju Chung, Bomi Kim, Minkyung Park, Sohee Oh, Myung Hun Jung, Jung-Seok Choi

Abstract

Transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) has been used as an adjunct therapy for psychiatric disorders; however, little is known about the underlying neurophysiological effects of tDCS in Internet gaming disorder (IGD). We investigated the effects of tDCS on cortical activity using resting-state electroencephalography (EEG) in patients with IGD. This randomized, double-blind, sham-controlled parallel group study of tDCS (ClinicalTrials.gov NCT03347643) included 31 IGD patients. Participants received 10 sessions (2 sessions per day for 5 consecutive days) of active repetitive tDCS (2 mA for 20 min per session) or sham stimulation. Anode/cathode electrodes were placed over the left and right dorsolateral prefrontal cortex, respectively. In total, 26 participants (active group n = 14; sham group n = 12) completed the trial. Resting-state EEG spectral activity (absolute power) and functional connectivity (coherence) were used to assess the effects of tDCS on cortical activity before stimulation and 1 month after the intervention. Active stimulation of tDCS suppressed increase of intra-hemispheric beta coherence after 1 month, which was observed in the sham group. The 1-month follow-up assessment revealed that absolute gamma power in the left parietal region was decreased in the active group relative to the sham group. Our findings suggest that repetitive tDCS stabilizes fast-wave activity in IGD.

Keywords: Internet gaming disorder; beta coherence; gamma power; resting-state EEG; tDCS.

© The Author(s) 2020. Published by Oxford University Press.

Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
Diagram of the general procedure. Lt, left; Rt, right.
Figure 2
Figure 2
Neuromodulatory effects of tDCS in the absolute power (A) and coherence (B) before and after 10 sessions for 5 consecutive days in the active and sham groups. Red line in (B) represents increased beta coherence at 1-month follow-up after repetitive tDCS compared with baseline in the sham group.

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