Efficacy of Anodal Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation (tDCS) on Anhedonia and Symptoms of Combat Related Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)

Transcranial direct stimulation (tDCS) has been proposed as an alternative treatment option for psychiatric disorders. This study aimed to investigate the efficacy of tDCS on anhedonia and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). This research was a double-blind experimental study that was conducted with pre-test post-test design with a control group. The statistical population included military men suffering from PTSD who had visited at psychiatric clinic of Baqiyatullah al-Azam Hospital from March 2018 to April 2020. 33 participants (experimental=17, control=16) with PTSD were selected via available sampling method. The experimental group received 10 sessions of anodal tDCS (delivered at 2 mA to the left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC) while the control group experienced the sham stimulation. Research tools included Snaith-Hamilton Pleasure Scale (SHAPS) and post-traumatic stress disorder checklist for DSM-5 (PCL-5). The data was also analyzed through the MANCOVA test. Results showed that 41% of patients responded to tDCS treatment and the rate of reduction of anhedonia (F(1,20)=4.75 p=0.038) and PTSD symptoms (F(1,20)=9.37, p=0.006) was significantly higher in the experimental group compared the control group. This study showed that tDCS could be considered as a new and complementary treatment technique for the treatment of anhedonia and PTSD symptoms in militaries with PTSD.