Temporal Interference Methods for Non-invasive Deep Brain Stimulation, Study 1.1

Through the grant's duration, the investigators hypothesize that temporal interference (TI) electrical neurostimulation will be well tolerated and effective at focally manipulating deep brain activity as measured by functional MRI (fMRI) BOLD signals. The investigators will investigate whether TI stimulation can increase BOLD activity in targeted deep brain regions including the nucleus accumbens (NAcc) and dorsal anterior cingulate cortex (dACC), and whether this stimulation can influence cognitive functions controlled by these regions. TI works by applying alternating currents of slightly different frequencies through multiple electrode pairs, creating an interference pattern that can stimulate deep brain regions without significantly affecting superficial cortical areas. This method is similar to traditional transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS), however TI can stimulate deeper brain structures that tDCS cannot reach effectively. The study is broken up into two main aims with multiple sub-studies. In Aim 1, the investigators will characterize the effects of TI on fMRI BOLD signals, test different beat frequencies, and compare TI effects in the nucleus accumbens versus dorsal anterior cingulate cortex. In Aim 2, the investigators will apply TI to the dorsal anterior cingulate cortex to test causal theories about its role in cognitive control, conflict monitoring, risk avoidance, and foraging behavior using established cognitive tasks while subjects undergo fMRI scanning.

Study 1.1 (Aim 1, Study 1) will test the ability to focally activate the nucleus accumbens without activating the overlying cortex, and also its effects on functional connectivity. Healthy subjects (n=30) will present for a single study visit during which they will be placed in the fMRI scanner and administered a temporal interference protocol. Specifically, subjects will have two pairs of carbon fiber electrodes attached to the scalp with conductive gel. They will receive one 8-minute block of stimulation at 2mA per electrode pair. The stimulation sequence will be 2 minutes on, 2 minutes off, 2 minutes on, and 2 minutes off with 30 second ramp up and ramp down beginning at the start of each 2-minute period. The first block will apply active TI stimulation with 2000Hz in one channel and 2020Hz in the other channel. The second block will be a sham TI stimulation, identical to the first block but with the "on" condition immediately ramping down as soon as it reaches 2mA after ramp up. The third and fourth blocks will be identical to the first and second blocks, except that both electrode pairs will stimulate at 2000Hz, resulting in a "NO-TI active" and "NO-TI sham" conditions. The order of blocks, and whether the "on" or "off" condition occurs first within a block, will be counterbalanced across subjects.

Inclusion criteria

• Between the ages of 18 and 50
• Must have at least a 6th grade education
• Ability to speak and read English for all phases

Exclusion criteria

• Currently taking psychotropic medications for ADHD, other mental illness, or medications for cancer
• History of epilepsy or seizure disorders
• History of migraines or other neurological syndromes
• History of AIDS (due to potential cognitive deficits)
• History of head trauma or cognitive impairments
• Personal experiences consistent with symptoms of psychosis (e.g., hallucinations, delusions of control or special powers)
• History of skull defects (e.g., holes bored into the skull or known cranial fissures)
• Metal implants in the head or under the scalp
• Does not meet fMRI safety screening criteria (e.g., metal implants in the body, permanent jewelry, tattoos on the head or neck)
• Uses an intrauterine device (IUD) for birth control and cannot provide documentation to verify MRI safety
• Pregnancy (self-reported; no pregnancy test administered)
• Weight over 440 lbs (scanner weight limit)
• Presence of pacemakers