Effects of Transcranial Direct-Current Stimulation on Rumination and Self-inhibition in Patients with Panic Disorder

Abstract

Background: Panic disorder causes patients to cease their daily activities and avoid social interactions. Appropriate treatment helps these patients manage their worries, rumination, and self-inhibition, allowing them to return to normalcy. Objectives: This research aims to investigate the effectiveness of transcranial direct-current stimulation (tDCS) on rumination and self-inhibition in patients with panic disorder. Methods: This quasi-experimental research used a pretest-posttest control group design. The statistical population comprised patients with panic disorder aged 18 - 45 years who visited psychotherapy centers in Ahvaz, Iran, in 2023. Convenience sampling was employed to select 40 eligible participants, who were then randomly assigned to an experimental group (n = 20) and a control group (n = 20). Participants completed rumination and self-inhibition questionnaires at the pretest and posttest stages. The experimental group received ten 20-minute sessions of tDCS. Data were collected using the Ruminative Response Scale (RRS) and Self-Restraint Scale (SRS). Analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) was used for data analysis. Results: The results indicated that tDCS improved rumination and self-inhibition in the posttest stage, demonstrating the treatment's effectiveness (P < 0.001). Conclusions: Transcranial direct-current stimulation can alleviate rumination and improve self-inhibition in patients with panic disorder. It is recommended that tDCS be used as a complementary treatment for these patients.