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Exploring prefrontal alpha modulation as a mechanistic treatment target in lupus-associated depression: A transcranial alternating current stimulation study

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: ObjectiveThis study explored whether modulating prefrontal alpha oscillations using transcranial alternating current stimulation (tACS) could alleviate depressive symptoms in individuals with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE).MethodsOver the course of 5 days, three individuals underwent daily 40-min sessions of 2 mA bifrontal individual alpha frequency tACS (IAF-tACS) while watching a relaxing video. Resting-state 128-channel electroencephalography (EEG) was recorded on Day 1 and Day 5 before each tACS session. Self-reported assessments of depression, anxiety, insomnia, and fatigue were administered on Day 1, Day 5, and at the 2- and 4-week follow-ups.ResultsTwo out of three participants showed a reduction in left prefrontal alpha power after 5 days of IAF-tACS. Only those with this reduction reported short-term improvements in depression, insomnia, anxiety, and well-being.ConclusionThese preliminary results suggest that modulating prefrontal alpha oscillations through tACS may offer a potential approach for alleviating depressive symptoms in individuals with SLE.

Source: Lupus

DOI: 10.1177/09612033251405010