Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation to Reduce Distress and Tobacco Smoking in Cancer Survivors, A TDCS Telehealth Study

Inclusion Criteria

• Age 21-75
• Current smoker >= 5 cigarettes/day and express interest in quitting smoking in next 30 days
• Mild to moderate distress, defined as Kessler Psychological Distress Scale (K10) score between 10-35
• Self-reported previous diagnosis of cancer
• Psychotropic medication stable for >= 1 month prior to enrollment and throughout the trial, at the discretion of study physician
• Access to a reliable wifi internet connection, able to use mobile device, and complete online questionnaires, competent in instrumental activities of daily living
• Able to read and understand informed consent and questionnaires in English (Wide Range Achievement Test [WRAT]-4 score ≥ 85)

Exclusion Criteria

• Inability to effectively use study-provided supplies
• Chronic non-compliance with study procedures
• Changes in health information over the course of enrollment in the study which place the participant at higher risk for an adverse event (as determined by study physician or principal investigator; e.g. medication changes, invasive procedures)
• Temporary or permanent obstructions to making contact between the electrodes and the scalp (e.g. wig that the participant is not willing to remove)
• History of traumatic brain injury, brain metastases, seizure disorder, recent (< 5 years) seizure history, or a neurodegenerative disease or neurocognitive disorder associated with significant impairment (e.g. Parkinson’s, Dementia)
• Current severe major depressive disorder, lifetime history of psychotic disorders or bipolar disorder type I, or current suicidal ideation
• Currently meets Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Health (DSM-5) criteria for severe substance use disorder in the past 6 months for any psychoactive substance other than tobacco
• Current suicidal ideation (as determined by the Mini Mental State Examination [3MINI])
• Current use of prescription of over the counter smoking cessation medication or primary use of non-combustible forms of nicotine/tobacco
• Currently receiving intravenous chemotherapy or radiation treatments
• Presence of metal objects in the head/neck
• Any skin disorder or skin sensitive area near stimulation locations
• Self-reported pregnancy
• Enrolled in group or individual therapy for smoking cessation that would be concurrent to intervention