@phdthesis{01HMTZ8FRPTGQDVBD4HSJ2EAEC,
  abstract     = {{Prefrontal non-invasive brain stimulation (NIBS) interventions are rising in popularity as a potential treatment for neuropsychiatric conditions. However, effect sizes of prefrontal protocols, including transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) and repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) are rather modest and a large heterogeneity in experimental and clinical effects is seen, which can be partly explained due to anatomical inter-individuality and by protocol-specific differences. It is proposed that prefrontal NIBS effects could be improved with personalized and optimized methodological approaches. However, further experimental studies are needed to gain a more nuanced understanding of how these interventions can be optimized to maximize their effectiveness. In view of this, the aim of this dissertation was to investigate how protocol-specific variability and anatomical idiosyncrasies, namely cortical volume - investigated by electric field (E-field) distribution - and cortical thickness, could influence the overall effect of prefrontal NIBS interventions. These questions were explored in five different experiments investigating the effects prefrontal NIBS in depression and in target engagements of the prefrontal cortex, including working memory performance and heart-rate variability. The results of the experiments presented in this dissertation consistently show that anatomic differences and protocol variations play a crucial role in the outcomes of prefrontal NIBS. Therefore, the findings presented here underscore the importance of tailoring protocols to individual anatomical characteristics and refining methodological approaches in future experiments. Withing this dissertation, foundation for future studies to further refine and customize prefrontal NIBS protocols is provided, ultimately striving for more consistent and impactful outcomes in the use of these interventions in the prefrontal cortex.}},
  author       = {{Boralli Razza, Laís}},
  keywords     = {{transcranial stimulation,prefrontal cortex,individualization,precision treatment,transcranial direct current stimulation,transcranial magnetic stimulation}},
  language     = {{eng}},
  pages        = {{V, 236}},
  publisher    = {{Ghent University. Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences}},
  school       = {{Ghent University}},
  title        = {{Towards precision prefrontal non-invasive brain stimulation : from protocol optimization to individual personalization}},
  year         = {{2023}},
}