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Kroker T, Rehbein MA, Wyczesany M, Bölte J, Roesmann K, Wessing I, Junghöfer M. Higher-order comparative reward processing is affected by noninvasive stimulation of the ventromedial prefrontal cortex. J Neurosci Res 2024; 102:e25248. [PMID: 37815024 DOI: 10.1002/jnr.25248] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2023] [Revised: 08/17/2023] [Accepted: 09/10/2023] [Indexed: 10/11/2023]
Abstract
A crucial skill, especially in rapidly changing environments, is to be able to learn efficiently from prior rewards or losses and apply this acquired knowledge in upcoming situations. Often, we must weigh the risks of different options and decide whether an option is worth the risk or whether we should choose a safer option. The ventromedial prefrontal cortex (vmPFC) is suggested as a major hub for basic but also higher-order reward processing. Dysfunction in this region has been linked to cognitive risk factors for depression and behavioral addictions, including reduced optimism and feedback learning. Here, we test whether modulations of vmPFC excitability via noninvasive transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) can alter reward anticipation and reward processing. In a financial gambling task, participants chose between a higher and a lower monetary risk option and eventually received feedback whether they won or lost. Simultaneously feedback on the unchosen option was presented as well. Behavioral and magnetoencephalographic correlates of reward processing were evaluated in direct succession of either excitatory or inhibitory tDCS of the vmPFC. We were able to show modulated reward approach behavior (expectancy of greater reward magnitudes) as well as altered reevaluation of received feedback by vmPFC tDCS as indicated by modified choice behavior following the feedback. Thereby, tDCS not only influenced early, rather basic reward processing, but it also modulated higher-order comparative feedback evaluation of gains and losses relative to alternative outcomes. The neural results underline this idea, as stimulation-driven modulations of the basic reward-related effect occurred at rather early time intervals and were followed by stimulation effects related to comparative reward processing. Importantly, behavioral ratings were correlated with neural activity in left frontal areas. Our results imply a dual function of the vmPFC consisting of approaching reward (as indicated by more risky choices) and elaborately evaluating outcomes. In addition, our data suggest that vmPFC activity is associated with adaptive decision-making in the future via modulated behavioral adaptation or reinforcement learning.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas Kroker
- Institute for Biomagnetism and Biosignalanalysis, University of Muenster, Muenster, Germany
- Otto Creutzfeldt Center for Cognitive and Behavioral Neuroscience, University of Muenster, Muenster, Germany
| | - Maimu Alissa Rehbein
- Institute for Biomagnetism and Biosignalanalysis, University of Muenster, Muenster, Germany
- Otto Creutzfeldt Center for Cognitive and Behavioral Neuroscience, University of Muenster, Muenster, Germany
| | | | - Jens Bölte
- Otto Creutzfeldt Center for Cognitive and Behavioral Neuroscience, University of Muenster, Muenster, Germany
- Institute of Psychology, University of Muenster, Muenster, Germany
| | - Kati Roesmann
- Otto Creutzfeldt Center for Cognitive and Behavioral Neuroscience, University of Muenster, Muenster, Germany
- Institute for Clinical Psychology and Psychotherapy, University of Siegen, Siegen, Germany
| | - Ida Wessing
- Otto Creutzfeldt Center for Cognitive and Behavioral Neuroscience, University of Muenster, Muenster, Germany
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, University Hospital Muenster, Muenster, Germany
| | - Markus Junghöfer
- Institute for Biomagnetism and Biosignalanalysis, University of Muenster, Muenster, Germany
- Otto Creutzfeldt Center for Cognitive and Behavioral Neuroscience, University of Muenster, Muenster, Germany
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Kroker T, Wyczesany M, Rehbein MA, Roesmann K, Wessing I, Wiegand A, Bölte J, Junghöfer M. Excitatory stimulation of the ventromedial prefrontal cortex reduces cognitive gambling biases via improved feedback learning. Sci Rep 2023; 13:17984. [PMID: 37863877 PMCID: PMC10589243 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-43264-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2023] [Accepted: 09/21/2023] [Indexed: 10/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Humans are subject to a variety of cognitive biases, such as the framing-effect or the gambler's fallacy, that lead to decisions unfitting of a purely rational agent. Previous studies have shown that the ventromedial prefrontal cortex (vmPFC) plays a key role in making rational decisions and that stronger vmPFC activity is associated with attenuated cognitive biases. Accordingly, dysfunctions of the vmPFC are associated with impulsive decisions and pathological gambling. By applying a gambling paradigm in a between-subjects design with 33 healthy adults, we demonstrate that vmPFC excitation via transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) reduces the framing-effect and the gambler's fallacy compared to sham stimulation. Corresponding magnetoencephalographic data suggest improved inhibition of maladaptive options after excitatory vmPFC-tDCS. Our analyses suggest that the underlying mechanism might be improved reinforcement learning, as effects only emerge over time. These findings encourage further investigations of whether excitatory vmPFC-tDCS has clinical utility in treating pathological gambling or other behavioral addictions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas Kroker
- Institute for Biomagnetism and Biosignalanalysis, University of Muenster, Malmedyweg 15, 48149, Muenster, Germany
- Otto Creutzfeldt Center for Cognitive and Behavioral Neuroscience, University of Muenster, Muenster, Germany
| | | | - Maimu Alissa Rehbein
- Institute for Biomagnetism and Biosignalanalysis, University of Muenster, Malmedyweg 15, 48149, Muenster, Germany
- Otto Creutzfeldt Center for Cognitive and Behavioral Neuroscience, University of Muenster, Muenster, Germany
| | - Kati Roesmann
- Institute for Biomagnetism and Biosignalanalysis, University of Muenster, Malmedyweg 15, 48149, Muenster, Germany
- Otto Creutzfeldt Center for Cognitive and Behavioral Neuroscience, University of Muenster, Muenster, Germany
- Institute for Clinical Psychology and Psychotherapy, University of Siegen, Siegen, Germany
- Institute of Psychology, Unit of Clinical Psychology and Psychotherapy for Children and Adolescents, University of Osnabrück, Osnabrück, Germany
| | - Ida Wessing
- Institute for Biomagnetism and Biosignalanalysis, University of Muenster, Malmedyweg 15, 48149, Muenster, Germany
- Otto Creutzfeldt Center for Cognitive and Behavioral Neuroscience, University of Muenster, Muenster, Germany
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, University Hospital Muenster, Muenster, Germany
| | - Anja Wiegand
- Institute for Biomagnetism and Biosignalanalysis, University of Muenster, Malmedyweg 15, 48149, Muenster, Germany
- Institute of Psychology, University of Muenster, Muenster, Germany
| | - Jens Bölte
- Otto Creutzfeldt Center for Cognitive and Behavioral Neuroscience, University of Muenster, Muenster, Germany
- Institute of Psychology, University of Muenster, Muenster, Germany
| | - Markus Junghöfer
- Institute for Biomagnetism and Biosignalanalysis, University of Muenster, Malmedyweg 15, 48149, Muenster, Germany.
- Otto Creutzfeldt Center for Cognitive and Behavioral Neuroscience, University of Muenster, Muenster, Germany.
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Rehbein MA, Kroker T, Winker C, Ziehfreund L, Reschke A, Bölte J, Wyczesany M, Roesmann K, Wessing I, Junghöfer M. Non-invasive stimulation reveals ventromedial prefrontal cortex function in reward prediction and reward processing. Front Neurosci 2023; 17:1219029. [PMID: 37650099 PMCID: PMC10465130 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2023.1219029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2023] [Accepted: 07/20/2023] [Indexed: 09/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Studies suggest an involvement of the ventromedial prefrontal cortex (vmPFC) in reward prediction and processing, with reward-based learning relying on neural activity in response to unpredicted rewards or non-rewards (reward prediction error, RPE). Here, we investigated the causal role of the vmPFC in reward prediction, processing, and RPE signaling by transiently modulating vmPFC excitability using transcranial Direct Current Stimulation (tDCS). Methods Participants received excitatory or inhibitory tDCS of the vmPFC before completing a gambling task, in which cues signaled varying reward probabilities and symbols provided feedback on monetary gain or loss. We collected self-reported and evaluative data on reward prediction and processing. In addition, cue-locked and feedback-locked neural activity via magnetoencephalography (MEG) and pupil diameter using eye-tracking were recorded. Results Regarding reward prediction (cue-locked analysis), vmPFC excitation (versus inhibition) resulted in increased prefrontal activation preceding loss predictions, increased pupil dilations, and tentatively more optimistic reward predictions. Regarding reward processing (feedback-locked analysis), vmPFC excitation (versus inhibition) resulted in increased pleasantness, increased vmPFC activation, especially for unpredicted gains (i.e., gain RPEs), decreased perseveration in choice behavior after negative feedback, and increased pupil dilations. Discussion Our results support the pivotal role of the vmPFC in reward prediction and processing. Furthermore, they suggest that transient vmPFC excitation via tDCS induces a positive bias into the reward system that leads to enhanced anticipation and appraisal of positive outcomes and improves reward-based learning, as indicated by greater behavioral flexibility after losses and unpredicted outcomes, which can be seen as an improved reaction to the received feedback.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maimu Alissa Rehbein
- Institute for Biomagnetism and Biosignalanalysis, University Hospital Münster, Münster, Germany
- Otto Creutzfeldt Center for Cognitive and Behavioral Neuroscience, University of Münster, Münster, Germany
| | - Thomas Kroker
- Institute for Biomagnetism and Biosignalanalysis, University Hospital Münster, Münster, Germany
- Otto Creutzfeldt Center for Cognitive and Behavioral Neuroscience, University of Münster, Münster, Germany
| | - Constantin Winker
- Institute for Biomagnetism and Biosignalanalysis, University Hospital Münster, Münster, Germany
- Otto Creutzfeldt Center for Cognitive and Behavioral Neuroscience, University of Münster, Münster, Germany
| | - Lena Ziehfreund
- Institute for Biomagnetism and Biosignalanalysis, University Hospital Münster, Münster, Germany
| | - Anna Reschke
- Institute for Biomagnetism and Biosignalanalysis, University Hospital Münster, Münster, Germany
| | - Jens Bölte
- Otto Creutzfeldt Center for Cognitive and Behavioral Neuroscience, University of Münster, Münster, Germany
- Institute of Psychology, University of Münster, Münster, Germany
| | | | - Kati Roesmann
- Institute for Biomagnetism and Biosignalanalysis, University Hospital Münster, Münster, Germany
- Otto Creutzfeldt Center for Cognitive and Behavioral Neuroscience, University of Münster, Münster, Germany
- Institute for Clinical Psychology, University of Siegen, Siegen, Germany
| | - Ida Wessing
- Institute for Biomagnetism and Biosignalanalysis, University Hospital Münster, Münster, Germany
- Otto Creutzfeldt Center for Cognitive and Behavioral Neuroscience, University of Münster, Münster, Germany
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, University Hospital Münster, Münster, Germany
| | - Markus Junghöfer
- Institute for Biomagnetism and Biosignalanalysis, University Hospital Münster, Münster, Germany
- Otto Creutzfeldt Center for Cognitive and Behavioral Neuroscience, University of Münster, Münster, Germany
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Abstract
Bioelectromagnetism has contributed some of the most commonly used techniques to human neuroscience such as magnetoencephalography (MEG), electroencephalography (EEG), transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS), and transcranial electric stimulation (TES). The considerable differences in their technical design and practical use give rise to the impression that these are quite different techniques altogether. Here, we review, discuss and illustrate the fundamental principle of Helmholtz reciprocity that provides a common ground for all four techniques. We show that, more than 150 years after its discovery by Helmholtz in 1853, reciprocity is important to appreciate the strengths and limitations of these four classical tools in neuroscience. We build this case by explaining the concept of Helmholtz reciprocity, presenting a methodological account of this principle for all four methods and, finally, by illustrating its application in practical clinical studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joachim Gross
- Institute for Biomagnetism and Biosignalanalysis, University of Münster, Münster, Germany,Joachim Gross, Institute for Biomagnetism and Biosignalanalysis, University of Münster, Malmedyweg 15, Münster, 48149, Germany.
| | - Markus Junghöfer
- Institute for Biomagnetism and Biosignalanalysis, University of Münster, Münster, Germany
| | - Carsten Wolters
- Institute for Biomagnetism and Biosignalanalysis, University of Münster, Münster, Germany
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Kroker T, Wyczesany M, Rehbein MA, Roesmann K, Wessing I, Junghöfer M. Noninvasive stimulation of the ventromedial prefrontal cortex modulates rationality of human decision-making. Sci Rep 2022; 12:20213. [PMID: 36418381 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-24526-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2022] [Accepted: 11/16/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
The framing-effect is a bias that affects decision-making depending on whether the available options are presented with positive or negative connotations. Even when the outcome of two choices is equivalent, people have a strong tendency to avoid the negatively framed option. The ventromedial prefrontal cortex (vmPFC) is crucial for rational decision-making, and dysfunctions in this region have been linked to cognitive biases, impulsive behavior and gambling addiction. Using a financial decision-making task in combination with magnetoencephalographic neuroimaging, we show that excitatory compared to inhibitory non-invasive transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) of the vmPFC reduces framing-effects while improving the assessment of loss-probabilities, ultimately leading to increased overall gains. Behavioral and neural data consistently suggest that this improvement in rational decision-making is predominately due to an attenuation of biases towards negative affect (loss-aversion and risk-aversion). These findings recommend further research towards clinical applications of vmPFC-tDCS as in addictive disorders.
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Schindler S, Heinemann J, Bruchmann M, Moeck R, Straube T. No trait anxiety influences on early and late differential neuronal responses to aversively conditioned faces across three different tasks. Cogn Affect Behav Neurosci 2022; 22:1157-1171. [PMID: 35352267 PMCID: PMC9458573 DOI: 10.3758/s13415-022-00998-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
AbstractThe human brain's ability to quickly detect dangerous stimuli is crucial in selecting appropriate responses to possible threats. Trait anxiety has been suggested to moderate these processes on certain processing stages. To dissociate such different information-processing stages, research using classical conditioning has begun to examine event-related potentials (ERPs) in response to fear-conditioned (CS +) faces. However, the impact of trait anxiety on ERPs to fear-conditioned faces depending on specific task conditions is unknown. In this preregistered study, we measured ERPs to faces paired with aversive loud screams (CS +) or neutral sounds (CS −) in a large sample (N = 80) under three different task conditions. Participants had to discriminate face-irrelevant perceptual information, the gender of the faces, or the CS category. Results showed larger amplitudes in response to aversively conditioned faces for all examined ERPs, whereas interactions with the attended feature occurred for the P1 and the early posterior negativity (EPN). For the P1, larger CS + effects were observed during the perceptual distraction task, while the EPN was increased for CS + faces when deciding about the CS association. Remarkably, we found no significant correlations between ERPs and trait anxiety. Thus, fear-conditioning potentiates all ERP amplitudes, some processing stages being further modulated by the task. However, the finding that these ERP differences were not affected by individual differences in trait anxiety does not support theoretical accounts assuming increased threat processing or reduced threat discrimination depending on trait anxiety.
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Bulteau S, Laurin A, Bach-Ngohou K, Péré M, Vibet MA, Hardouin JB, Sebille V, Lagalice L, Faurel-Paul É, Acier D, Rabeyron T, Riche VP, Sauvaget A, Melki F, Vigier T, Perreira Da Silva M, Charlet O, Prié Y. Feasibility of Combining Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation and Active Fully Embodied Virtual Reality for Visual Height Intolerance: A Double-Blind Randomized Controlled Study. J Clin Med 2022; 11:345. [PMID: 35054039 DOI: 10.3390/jcm11020345] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2021] [Revised: 01/02/2022] [Accepted: 01/05/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation (tDCS) and Virtual Reality Exposure Therapy (VRET) are individually increasingly used in psychiatric research. OBJECTIVE/HYPOTHESIS Our study aimed to investigate the feasibility of combining tDCS and wireless 360° full immersive active and embodied VRET to reduce height-induced anxiety. METHODS We carried out a pilot randomized, double-blind, controlled study associating VRET (two 20 min sessions with a 48 h interval, during which, participants had to cross a plank at rising heights in a building in construction) with online tDCS (targeting the ventromedial prefrontal cortex) in 28 participants. The primary outcomes were the sense of presence level and the tolerability. The secondary outcomes were the anxiety level (Subjective Unit of Discomfort) and the salivary cortisol concentration. RESULTS We confirmed the feasibility of the association between tDCS and fully embodied VRET associated with a good sense of presence without noticeable adverse effects. In both groups, a significant reduction in the fear of height was observed after two sessions, with only a small effect size of add-on tDCS (0.1) according to the SUD. The variations of cortisol concentration differed in the tDCS and sham groups. CONCLUSION Our study confirmed the feasibility of the association between wireless online tDCS and active, fully embodied VRET. The optimal tDCS paradigm remains to be determined in this context to increase effect size and then adequately power future clinical studies assessing synergies between both techniques.
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