New Paper: Frontal tDCS modulates orbitofrontal reality filtering. Neuroscience 2014

A.L. Manuel, A.W. David, M. Bikson, A. Schnider.

Neuroscience 265 (2014) 21-27

Abstract: Orbitofrontal reality filtering denotes a memory control mechanism necessary to keep thought and behavior in phase with reality. Its failure induces reality confusion as evident in confabulation and disorientation. In the present study, we explored the influence of orbitofrontal transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) on reality filtering. Twenty healthy human subjects made a reality filtering task, while receiving cathodal, anodal, or sham stimulation over the orbitofrontal cortex (OFC) in three sessions separated by at least 1 week. Computational models predicted that this montage can produce polarity-specific current flow across the posterior medial OFC. In agreement with our hypothesis, we found that cathodal tDCS over the frontal pole specifically impaired reality filtering in comparison to anodal and sham stimulation. This study shows that reality filtering, an orbitofrontal function, can be modulated with tDCS.

Journal Link             Full PDF: tDCS_Manuel_Bikson_2004_frontalrealityfiltering        PubMed Link