Effect of Adjunctive Prefronto-Cerebellar Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation(tDCS) on Craving and Relapse Prevention in Patients with Alcohol Dependence Syndrome (ADS): A Randomized Sham Controlled Study Protocol

BACKGROUNDThere is growing evidence that tDCS in the Dorsolateral Prefrontal Cortex (DLPFC) technique is effective in controlling craving and relapse in ADS patients. Till now the results are inconclusive. Interestingly, the cerebellum is related to impulsive and compulsive behavior which is supported by both structural and functional neuroimaging findings. There are few clinical trials regarding the effect of cerebellar tDCS in ADS. OBJECTIVETo assess the effect of Prefronto-cerebellar tDCS in reducing craving and relapses in ADS patients. METHODSThe study population will be randomly assigned to either of two groups i.e. Active and Sham tDCS group. The active group will receive 10 sessions over 5 days; 2mA current for 15 minutes. The site of anodal stimulation is 2cm below the Iz (inion) and cathodal stimulation at F3 (left prefrontal) and in the sham group will receive the same except that intensity of the current is 0.2mA. Patients will be assessed for craving at 3-time points. CONCLUSIONIt will be helpful in analyzing the effect of stimulating DLPFC as well as the cerebellum which is a potential novel site in reducing craving and relapse in ADS. HIGHLIGHTStDCS in ADS is being tried for the last decade mainly focusing on the frontal area. With the current understanding of the role of the cerebellum in regulating impulsive and compulsive behavior, we intend to add the cerebellum as a potential site for neuromodulation in reducing craving and relapse in ADS patients.