Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) and Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation (tDCS)

Excitatory bilateral stimulation to the frontal lobes, in particular the left and right DLPFC, will be applied. The anode will be placed at Fz and the cathode at Iz to achieve this bilateral frontal excitatory stimulation. Rubber electrodes will be inserted in 35-cm2 saline-soaked sponges and fixed with a headband. The direct current will be of 2 mA (current density = 0.57 A/m2) for 30 min per day.

The same tDCS parameters as as the active condition will be used; however, the device will be turned off after 1 minute of active stimulation.

After a brief orientation session, the MBSR sessions will be conducted in 8 weekly 2.5 hour classes plus a half-day retreat. Content includes instruction and guidance to mindfulness meditation practices, gentle mindful movement, and various exercises to enhance mindfulness in everyday life. Participants will get daily at-home assignments with CDs of meditative practice.