LUPUS Brain: tACS to Target the Neurophysiology of Depression, Cognitive Deficits, and Pain in Patients With SLE

At the initial session, consent will be obtained and eligibility will be determined. Eligible participants will undergo a structural MRI as part of the screening process, then be randomized and have 5 consecutive daily, 40 minute stimulation sessions. Participants will be randomly assigned to one of three groups: sham stimulation, individualized alpha-tACS (usually 8-12 Hz), or individualized theta-tACS (individualized alpha frequency minus 4 Hz). Participation will include 1 to 11 visits. Neurophysiological measures will be taken before and after the stimulation sessions on the first and fifth days of the intervention, as well as the 2-week follow-up and 4-week follow-up visits. Psychiatric clinical assessments will be performed at baseline (Day 1 of stimulation), Day 5 of stimulation, and at both follow-up visits using the Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HDRS17), the Hamilton Anxiety Rating Scale (HAM-A), the Inventory of Depression and Anxiety Symptoms (IDAS), and the Comparative Pain Scale Chart. All participants will also be asked to complete self-report surveys via REDCap at a 3-month time point measured from completion of the intervention.