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

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.