B01: Neurobehavioral effects of repetitive prefrontal transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) on pathological aggression

High levels of trait anger and aggressive behavior are common and problematic phenomena in patients with borderline personality disorder (BPD). In BPD, patterns of reactive aggression often lead to functional impairment affecting important areas of life. Despite the high burden on individuals and their social environment, there are no specific, cost-effective treatments to reduce aggression in BPD. In previous studies, we and others have been able to infer specific biobehavioral mechanisms underlying patterns of reactive aggression in BPD that can be used as potential treatment targets. To address this, we developed a mechanism-based anti-aggression psychotherapy (MAAP) for the group setting that specifically targets the biobehavioral mechanisms underlying outward-directed aggression in BPD. A previously conducted proof-of-concept study had suggested beneficial effects for this neglected group of patients. In this multicenter, confirmatory, randomized-controlled-clinical-trial, MAAP, which consists of multifaceted, evidence-based treatment elements adapted from other sophisticated treatment programs such as Dialectical Behavior Therapy and Mentalization-Based Treatment, is tested for efficacy against a non-specific supportive psychotherapy (NSSP) program focusing on non-specific general factors of psychotherapy at seven different sites in Germany. Both treatment arms, based on one individual and 13 group therapeutic sessions (1.5 h per session, twice a week), are delivered over a period of 7–10 weeks. A total of N = 186 patients will be recruited, half of whom will be cluster-randomized to MAAP. Outcomes are assessed at baseline, immediately, and 4, 12, 20, and 24 weeks post-treatment using ecological momentary assessment, clinical interviews, questionnaires, and online tasks. If proven superior, MAAP can be incorporated into standard psychiatric care, filling a critical gap in the current therapeutic landscape by offering a structured, cost-effective, and evidence-based treatment that directly targets the biobehavioral mechanisms underlying reactive aggression in BPD. By potentially improving clinical outcomes and reducing the burden of reactive aggression in BPD, MAAP could be beneficial for both individuals and their social environments. The study’s large, multicenter design enhances the generalizability of the results, making them more relevant for broader clinical applications.

Heightened aggression is associated with behavioural and neural deficits in inhibitory control. Transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) shows promise in facilitating inhibitory control and reducing aggression. However, the mixed effects and widespread electric fields of tDCS warrant more precise stimulation methods. High-definition tDCS (HD-tDCS) may enhance focality to target the right inferior frontal gyrus (rIFG), a key region in inhibitory control. In a double-blind and sham-controlled study, we investigated behavioral and neural differences between anodal and sham HD-tDCS in a subsequent Taylor Aggression Paradigm (TAP). Anodal HD-tDCS was applied at 1.5 mA for 20 min over the rIFG. Reference electrodes were located at TP8, PZ, FC3, and FP1. 41 healthy male participants were randomly assigned to either anodal (19) or sham (22) HD-tDCS and completed the TAP during functional magnetic resonance imaging. Anodal HD-tDCS did not directly reduce aggression; however, the stimulation weakened the effect of provocation on aggressive behaviour. Imaging results indicated that anodal HD-tDCS was associated with a positive provocation-related increase of bilateral parietal lobule (IPL) activation. Taken together, behavioural and neuroimaging findings suggest that anodal rIFG stimulation may engage the inhibitory control network as reflected in reduced responsiveness to provocation and increased activation during provocation.