Intensified electrical stimulation targeting lateral and medial prefrontal cortices for the treatment of social anxiety disorder: A randomized, double-blind, parallel-group, dose-comparison study

BackgroundSocial Anxiety Disorder (SAD) is the most common anxiety disorder while remains largely untreated. Disturbed amygdala-frontal network functions are central to pathophysiology of SAD, marked by hypoactivity lateral prefrontal cortex (PFC), and hypersensitivity medial PFC amygdala. The objective this study was determine whether modulation dorsolateral activity with a novel intensified stimulation protocol reduces SAD core symptoms, improves treatment-related variables, attention bias threatening stimuli.MethodsIn randomized, sham-controlled, double-blind trial, we assessed efficacy an (20 min, twice-daily sessions 20 min intervals, 5 consecutive days) in two intensities (1 vs 2 mA) compared sham stimulations. 45 patients were randomized three tDCS arms (1-mA, 2-mA, sham). variables (worries, depressive state, emotion regulation, quality life), stimuli (dot-probe paradigm) before right after intervention. symptoms also at 2-month follow-up.ResultsBoth 1-mA 2-mA protocols significantly reduced fear/avoidance worries improved, regulation life intervention group. Improving effect on avoidance state larger than Only threat-related stimuli, symptom follow-up, states, as group.ConclusionsModulation lateral-medial can improve cognitive control, motivation networks might thereby result therapeutic effects. These effects be intensities, though linear relationship between intensity should not concluded. Our results need replication trials.