Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation in a Smoking Cessation Trial (tDCS)
Nicotine Dependence
About this trial
This is an interventional treatment trial for Nicotine Dependence focused on measuring transcranial direct current stimulation, nicotine dependence, dorsolateral prefrontal cortex, nicotine replacement therapy, nicotine patch, addiction, smoking cessation, neuroplasticity
Eligibility Criteria
Inclusion Criteria:
- nicotine dependent
- treatment-seeking
- smoke minimum of 15 cigarettes per day
- able to provide written informed consent
- able and willing to attend weekly appointments, inter-treatment and follow-up assessment
- able and willing to wear nicotine patch
Exclusion Criteria:
- currently taking GABA receptor agonists, NMDA receptor antagonists, dopamine receptor agonists/antagonists, SSRIs, L-dopa, anticholinergics
- pregnancy or lactation
- any serious medical condition requiring treatment or medication including high blood pressure, heart problems, asthma, epilepsy
- brain/neurological injury/disease/disorder
- skin disease
- current DSM-IV Axis I psychiatric disorder
- metal or medical device implants
- current treatment for alcohol or drug use
- current use of herbal/holistic preparations
- current use of recreational drugs
Sites / Locations
- Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (Nicotine Dependence Clinic)
Arms of the Study
Arm 1
Arm 2
Arm 3
Experimental
Experimental
Sham Comparator
DLPFC tDCS (left anode/right cathode)
DLPFC tDCS (left cathode/right anode)
DLPFC tDCS
Active transcranial Direct Current Stimulation (tDCS) administered to the left DLPFC. Brief (20-min) application of weak electric current (e.g., 2 mA) to the scalp.
Active transcranial Direct Current Stimulation (tDCS) administered to the right DLPFC. Brief (20-min) application of weak electric current (e.g., 2 mA) to the scalp.
Sham transcranial Direct Current Stimulation (tDCS) delivered to the DLPFC. Brief (30-sec) application of weak electric current (e.g., 2mA) to the scalp.