Research Abstract Non-Invasive Brain Stimulation
Noninvasive brain stimulation: Potential role in the treatment of drug addiction
Yasmine Seidu, Raabe College of Pharmacy, Ohio Northern University
Nicotinic smoking is a chronic addictive disease that causes 5 million deaths per year
and if current smoking patterns persist is projected to kill 10 million smokers by 2025.1
Current pharmacological treatments, such as nicotine replacement therapy (NRT), do not
target the disruptive brain processes that produce altered brain functions and cognitive
impairments that can make it difficult to adhere to addiction treatments.1,3
Impaired cognitive functions such as decision-making, compulsive behaviour and
craving were found to be a significant clinical symptoms of addiction.4 Experiencing drug
cues, such as passing a bar in the case of alcohol addiction, can be used to predict drug
craving and drug use.4 Craving, cue-provoked craving, and impaired decision making are
associated with the bilateral dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC), which is the target for
combating addiction through Non-invasive Brain Stimulation (NIBS) techniques.5,7
Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) and Direct Current Stimulation (DCS) are NIBS
techniques used to treat various neuropsychiatric conditions by first targeting superficial
brain regions, then on the deeper structures of the brain.8,9
In a randomized, double-blind sham-controlled crossover study, 24 participants received in
random order, active DCS to the right and left DLPFC and sham DCS. Smoking cues were
used to provoke craving and a visual analogue scale (VAS) was used to measure craving and
mood changes. Participants with active DCS saw significant craving reduction compared to
baseline craving before stimulation.6
A randomized, double-blind, sham-controlled clinical trial was conducted with 18
participants allocated to active TMS and NRT for two weeks, then only NRT for another four
weeks. Another group of 18 participants received sham TMS for two weeks, and only NRT
for four weeks. Active TMS was administered to the right DLPFC. Results indicated that
combination therapy of TMS and NRT increased the chances of smoking cessation.1
Based on the presented research, NIBS has potential in treating nicotine addiction by
effectively reducing craving. More studies are required to better understand the clinical effect
of NIBS, however, there may be a future for NIBS based on current research in addictions
varying from smoking, cocaine, alcohol, gambling, and more.
References
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Transcranial direct current brain stimulation increases ability to resist smoking. Brain
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2011 Apr 18. Identifier NCT-, Prefrontal Cortex Stimulation as Treatment
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9. Trojak B, Sauvaget A, Fecteau S, Lalanne L, Chauvet-Gelinier JC, Koch S, et al.
Outcome of non-invasive brain stimulation in substance use disorders: a review of
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