Anode: Right DLPFC (F4)
Cathode: Left DLPFC (F3)
Study Results: Reduced Risk Taking
Other uses: Reduced overeating, alcohol & drug addiction, gambling addiction (see here).
Notes: Stimulating the Dorsolateral Prefrontal Cortex (DLPFC) using Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation has been found to provide all types of improvements in our decision making processes. Most notably, study participants demonstrated actions that were more carefully thought out and less irrationally impulsive (risky). In turn, this related to better results on cognitive achievement tests as individuals were able to process information and make decisions at a quicker speed.
The heightened rational decision making capabilities exhibited from this montage has been hypothesized to be the same reason it works for individuals struggling with cravings or addictions. Albert Einstein is quoted as saying, “the definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over and expecting different results.” Much of the same can be said for individuals stuck within an addictive spiral. It appears however, that this spiral can possibly be broken by reducing risk taking behavior and increasing rational decision making. Hopefully leading alcohol and drug users down the path to recovery.
Studies