OBJECTIVES: Transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) is a non-invasive technique for neuromodulation using electrodes placed on the scalp. It has applications in the treatment and rehabilitation of patients with severe neuropsychiatric problems and dementia syndromes. Recent scientific work suggests that it is also possible to use tDCS to improve function in people without established neuropsychiatric conditions. The aim of this study was to investigate whether tDCS can enhance psychological well-being.

METHODS: The study involved 74 volunteers from the general population, aged between 18 and 32 years, with no neurological or psychiatric problems. The subjects were randomly divided into two groups: sham and real. In the sham group, there were 35 people aged between 18 and 28. In the real group, there were 39 people aged between 19 and 32. Mental well-being was assessed using the Polish version of the Mental Health Continuum - Short Form questionnaire. Subjects were asked to make a self-assessment of their functioning over the previous two weeks. The pre-test was completed 1-2 days before neuromodulation. Subjects then participated in 5 sessions of tDCS stimulation, each lasting 20 minutes. Stimulation took place once a day. The cathode was placed over the right (F4) and the anode over the left (F3) dorsolateral frontal cortex. In the real group, the stimulation (2.0 mA) lasted 20 minutes. The sham group received sham stimulation for 20 minutes. During the stimulation, subjects in both groups watched videos about hygiene, activity, and self-regulation. Subjects completed a post-test between 10 and 14 days after the last stimulation.

RESULTS: The one-tailed independent samples t-test showed that the scores on the Eudaimonic Social Well-Being scale in the experimental group were significantly higher than zero and higher than those in the control group.

CONCLUSIONS: This suggests that even a few sessions of tDCS neuromodulation may be effective in improving psychological well-being.