tDCS for Impulsivity and Compulsivity in Obesity
Impulsivity, Compulsive Overeating, Obesity
About this trial
This is an interventional treatment trial for Impulsivity focused on measuring Impulsive Behavior, Behavior Control, Appetitive Behavior, Health Risk Behaviors, Compulsive Behavior
Eligibility Criteria
Inclusion Criteria:
- Obese (BMI>30)
- Adults ages 18 years or older receiving care through the Minneapolis VA Healthcare System
- Able to understand English, self-consent and follow study-related procedures
- Willing to use a reliable form of birth control if they are of females of child-bearing potential.
Exclusion Criteria:
- History of any of the following issues: seizures, severe or moderate head injury, head surgery, significant neurological disorder(significance based on Principal Investigator's judgment), frequent severe headaches
- History of scalp conditions such as eczema or seborrheic dermatitis
- Metal in head (other than in mouth) including shrapnel/surgical clips/welding fragments
- Implanted medical devices (including pumps and cardiac pacemakers)
- Pregnancy
- Active substance abuse
- Psychological or medical disorders requiring inpatient treatment
- Presence of a known metabolic or hormonal disorder (such as Cushing's) which affects weight/appetite. (History of hypothyroidism is acceptable if subject is on treatment with normal thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) and free thyroxine (FT4) on most recent check within the last 3 months and has been on stable dosage of l-thyroxine for at least 3 months, taking it as prescribed.)
Sites / Locations
- Minneapolis VA Medical Center
Arms of the Study
Arm 1
Arm 2
Experimental
Sham Comparator
Active tDCS with cognitive training
Sham tDCS with cognitive training
Participants will receive 5 sessions of cognitive training concurrent with transcranial direct current stimulation (anode over right frontal cortex, cathode over left frontal cortex; 2 mAmps for 26 minutes).
Participants will receive 5 sessions of cognitive training concurrent with sham tDCS. For sham tDCS, electrodes are placed at the same locations as for active tDCS, but current is ramped up for the initial 30 secs, then immediately ramped back down. This method mimics the initial physical sensation of stimulation, but there is no active current for the remainder of the session.