Targeting cognitive control and affective processing in aggression: neuromodulation approaches in CRC/TRR 379

Abstract Interventions aimed at reducing aggression in mental disorders remain insufficiently addressed by current research, despite the substantial individual and societal burden associated with aggressive behavior. Consequently, strategies for modulating aggressive behavior are of high clinical relevance but are not yet adequately represented in the currently available intervention approaches. The Collaborative Research Center (CRC) TRR 379 is dedicated to exploring the modulation of aggressive behavior through neuromodulation. Four projects employ complementary methodologies to investigate whether neural systems involved in cognitive control and affect regulation can be modulated to reduce aggressive behavior in patients with mental disorders and violent offenders. These techniques include transcranial direct current stimulation, low-intensity focused transcranial ultrasound stimulation, and real-time functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) neurofeedback. Through these multimodal approaches, the projects aim to advance the understanding of the modifiability of aggressive behavior, identify factors that contribute to successful neuromodulation, and support the development of individualized interventions.