Fig. 5: Day 2: Transcranial direct current stimulation targeting the vmPFC during extinction recall blocks the return subcortically mediated fear responses.

Overall mean US-expectancy ratings (a), range-corrected first interval skin conductance responses (b), standardized (T-transformed) startle potentiation relative to inter-trial interval (c) and heart rate change (d) during the CS+ (blue lines) vs. the CS− (purple lines) during the last block of extinction recall and return of fear test for the sham (left panels) and tDCS condition (right panels). US-expectancy, skin conductance and startle potentiation are averaged across blocks of two trials, while heart rate change is averaged across all trials of the return of fear test. Error bars represent the standard error of the mean. The bolt-icon represents repeated (three times) administration of the US at the beginning of the return of fear test.