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DiSCoVeR*
Project/agreement No.
1.1.1.5/ERANET/19/04
Project funding
1 097 120.00 EUR, from what EUR 210 000.00 RSU budget
Project manager
Project realization
01.05.2019. - 31.12.2019.
Aim
The aim of the proposed project is to develop and test the efficacy and feasibility of an innovative, combined treatment approach for home use, incorporating both non-invasive brain stimulation (NIBS) and an action videogame designed to enhance emotional cognitive control in patients suffering from MDD. This novel intervention approach combines stimulation over dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC) along with direct training of cognitive control and emotion regulation mechanisms, known to abnormally operate in depression.
Description
Project activities:
- Develop an action videogame incorporating cognitive control components of inhibitory control, working memory and task-switching using emotional stimuli. This videogame will be used as a training tool to enhance emotional and cognitive control skills in MDD,
- Develop a stand-alone, safe and remotely-controlled NIBS set-up that allows MDD patients to self-administer the stimulation in their home environment,
- Integrate the videogame and NIBS into a single, stand-alone application, supporting home deployment and remote monitoring of the combined treatment,
- Test the efficacy and feasibility of combined treatment in a two-arm, double-blind, placebo-controlled randomized controlled trial. 108 patients with MDD will complete 6 weeks of either active videogame play and NIBS or sham condition (sham game play and sham simulation) from home.
