The Use of Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation (tDCS) in Adults With Developmental Disabilities
The Use of Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation (tDCS) in Adults With Developmental Disabilities
Aggressive behaviours are highly prevalent among people with developmental disabilities, both
 in community and inpatient or residential settings, with adverse consequences for the
 individuals involved and others. Some predictive factors, particularly impulsivity, are
 dynamic with neurobiological underpinnings, and as such amenable to change or neuromodulation
 using non-invasive brain stimulation techniques. With this in mind, we designed an
 experimental protocol to determine the efficacy of transcranial Direct Current Stimulation
 (tDCS) as a non-invasive brain stimulation technique to reduce impulsivity and aggression
 associated with developmental disability.
This study aims to assess the efficacy of anodal tDCS in modulating Rapid Response
 Impulsivity (RRI) and reducing incidents of aggression in people with developmental
 disabilities is residential or hospital settings. Using a single blind, parallel arms,
 randomized controlled trial design, adults (n=60) aged 18 to 65 with developmental
 disabilities, who have a history of impulsivity leading to aggression, will be randomised to
 receive either repetitive anodal or sham tDCS. Enrolled participants will receive either
 three treatment sessions of tDCS or sham tDCS. Behavioural and impulsivity will be measured
 before and immediately after treatment, one week, and one month after treatment end. Data
 will be analysed in SPSS using repeated measures ANOVA.
Inclusion Criteria:

 -  Adults aged 18-64 years

 -  Diagnosis of a developmental disability

 -  History of one or more incidents of aggression in the last month

 -  Consent to participate in the trial by the individual or their Substitute Decision
 Maker

 Exclusion Criteria:

 -  History of epilepsy or seizures

 -  History of acquired brain injury

 -  Having metal in the brain/skull, e.g. splinters, fragments or clips

 -  Having a cochlear implant

 -  Having an implanted neuro-stimulator (e.g. direct brain stimulation, epidural/subdural
 stimulation, vagal nerve stimulation)

 -  History of brain surgery of procedure

 -  History of severe adverse reaction to tDCS

 -  Having a cardiac pacemaker or intracardiac lines

 -  Current alcohol or drug misuse

 -  Having a sensitive scalp