The Effects of Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation in Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder Symptoms: A Meta-Analysis and Integrated Electric Fields Modeling Analysis

Author(s)

Pinto, Bianca Silva ; Cavendish, Beatriz Araujo ; da Silva, Pedro Henrique Rodrigues ; Suen, Paulo Jeng Chian ; Marinho, Kalian Almeida Pereira ; Valiengo, Leandro da Costa Lane ; Vanderhasselt, Marie-Anne ; Brunoni, Andre Russowsky ; Razza, Lais Boralli

• Document type: Journal article
• Source: BIOMEDICINES; v. 11, n. 1, p. 15-pg., 2023-01-01.

Abstract

Transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) has been showing promising effects for the treatment of obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), but there is still no conclusion on its efficacy for this disorder. We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis of trials using tDCS for OCD and a computer modeling analysis to evaluate the electric field (EF) strengths of different electrode assemblies in brain regions of interest (ROIs) (PROSPERO-42021262465). PubMed/MEDLINE, Embase, Cochrane Library and Web of Science databases were searched from inception to 25 September 2022. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and open-label studies were included. The primary aim was the effect size (Hedges' g) of continuous outcomes and potential moderators of response. For EF modeling, SimNIBS software was used. Four RCTs and four open-label trials were included (n = 241). Results revealed a large effect of tDCS in the endpoint, but no significant effect between active and sham protocols. No predictor of response was found. EF analysis revealed that montages using the main electrode over the (pre)supplementary motor area with an extracephalic reference electrode might lead to stronger EFs in the predefined ROIs. Our results revealed that tDCS might be a promising intervention to treat OCD; however, larger studies are warranted. (AU)

• FAPESP's process: 21/10827-6 - Evaluation of left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex volume as a predictor of clinical response to the use of theta-burst stimulation in the treatment of unipolar depression
• Grantee: Beatriz Araújo Cavendish
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Doctorate
• FAPESP's process: 22/01197-1 - Non-implantable Neuromodulation Therapies: A perspective for the depressed brain
• Grantee: Bianca Silva Pinto
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Technical Training Program - Technical Training