IMPROVEMENT OF COGNITIVE AND EMOTIONAL DEFICITS IN ADOLESCENTS WITH SUBSTANCE USE DISORDERS THROUGH NON-INVASIVE NEUROMODULATION (TDCS) COMBINED WITH MINDFULNESS-BASED SUBSTANCE ABUSE TREATMENT (MBSAT): A PILOT STUDY

Background and Aim : Non-invasive neuromodulation technique such as transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) and mindfulness practices have been proposed as a potential approach to improve cognitive and emotional performance.The current study, hence, investigated the effects of combined tDCS with mindfulness treatments to improve cognitive and emotional deficits in adolescents with substance abuse.Methods : Eighty adolescents (aged 18-21) were randomly assigned into the tDCS group (N = 20), MBSAT group (N = 20), combined group (N =20) and control group (N = 20). All participants were tested during the application of Go/No-Go Tasks, Balloon Analogue Risk Task, Wisconsin Card Sorting Test and Difficulties in Emotion Regulation Scale (DERS). tDCS was used at 1.5 mA for 15 min over the left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC) and the MBSAT protocol was used in this study over twelve 45-min sessions and two sessions per week.Results : Combined group affirm that tDCS has more beneficial and lasting therapeutic effects when combined with psychological interventions.Conclusion : Combination of tDCS with mindfulness as add- on treatment can improve cognitive and emotional deficits in adolescents with substance use disorders.