Targeting cravings in substance addiction with transcranial direct current stimulation: insights from a meta-analysis of sham-controlled trials

Chan, Yi-Hsun; Chang, Hu-Ming; Lu, Mong-Liang; Goh, Kah Kheng

doi:10.1016/j.psychres.2023.115621

Cited by 4 publications

(2 citation statements)

References 92 publications

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“…Indeed, meta-analyses of studies in substance use disorders suggest reductions to craving are greatest when tDCS sessions are repeated, bilateral stimulation is used, the anodal electrode is placed on the right dlPFC, current intensities range from 1.5 to 2 mA and stimulation sessions last 20 min. 28 Two sham-controlled RCTs have examined the effect of multiple sessions of tDCS targeting the dlPFC in adults with BED. The first (n = 40) assessed the effect of ten sessions of 2 mA bilateral tDCS (20 mins; anode left/cathode right) on attention bias toward food, food craving and cognitive flexibility.…”

Section: Transcranial Direct Current Stimulationmentioning

confidence: 99%

Concurrent self-administered transcranial direct current stimulation and attention bias modification training in binge eating disorder: feasibility randomised sham-controlled trial

Flynn,

Campbell,

Schmidt

2024

BJPsych open

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Background Binge eating disorder (BED) is a common and disabling condition, typically presenting with multiple psychiatric and obesity-related comorbidities. Evidence-based treatments are either resource-intensive (psychotherapies) or have side-effects (medications): these achieve remission in around 50% of cases. Novel treatments are needed. Aims This randomised sham-controlled trial aimed to assess feasibility, acceptability and preliminary efficacy of at-home, self-administered transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) and attention bias modification training (ABMT) in adults with binge eating disorder. Method Eighty-two participants with binge eating disorder were randomly allocated to real tDCS with ABMT, sham tDCS with ABMT, ABMT only or waitlist control. Intervention groups received ten sessions of their allocated treatment over 2–3 weeks. tDCS (2 mA, 20 min) was self-administered using a bilateral (anode right/cathode left) montage targeting the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex. Outcomes were assessed at baseline, post-treatment and 6-week follow-up. Results Prespecified feasibility criteria (recruitment ≥80 participants and retention rate ≥75%) were exceeded, and treatment completion rates were high (98.7%). All interventions reduced binge eating episodes, eating disorder symptoms and related psychopathology between baseline and follow-up, relative to waitlist control (medium-to-large between-group effect sizes for change scores). Small-to-medium effect sizes for change scores favoured real tDCS with ABMT versus comparators, suggesting the verum intervention produces superior outcomes. Conclusions At-home, self-administered tDCS with ABMT is feasible and acceptable, and preliminary data on efficacy are promising. This approach could be a useful and scalable alternative or adjunct to established treatments for binge eating disorder. Confirmatory trials can, and should, be pursued.

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Section: Transcranial Direct Current Stimulationmentioning

confidence: 99%

Concurrent self-administered transcranial direct current stimulation and attention bias modification training in binge eating disorder: feasibility randomised sham-controlled trial

Flynn,

Campbell,

Schmidt

2024

BJPsych open

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“…According to a review of the results from various studies, tDCS is associated with reductions in craving and other symptoms of drug intoxication [ 20 - 22 ]. Furthermore, few studies have used this technique to treat addiction [ 23 ].…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Effect of Intensified Transcranial Direct-current Stimulation Targeting Bilateral Dorsolateral Prefrontal Cortex on Craving Reduction in Patients with Opioid (Heroin) Use Disorder

Tameh,

Imani,

Alizadehgoradel

et al. 2024

Clin Psychopharmacol Neurosci

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Objective This study aimed to analyze the effect of the intensified transcranial direct-current stimulation (tDCS) targeting bilateral dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC) on craving reduction in patients with opioid use disorder. Methods This quasi-experimental study was conducted on 30 individuals who participated voluntarily at Baharan Camp of Shahid Mahalati. The participants had already completed the detoxification phase and stayed at the camp to resolve their craving and gain occupational skills to reintegrate into the community. The participants were selected using convenience and purposive sampling methods and were then assigned to an experimental group (n = 15) and a control group (n = 15). The experimental group received ten 20-minute tDCS sessions twice a day for 5 consecutive days. There was a 20-minute break between the two stimulations. The DLPFC was stimulated with a current intensity of 2 mA (anode F3 and cathode F4). The control group received a sham stimulation. Both groups completed Franken’s Desires for Drug Questionnaire at baseline and after the stimulation sessions. Additionally, they completed the questionnaires once again three months after the end of the treatment to assess treatment retention. Results At the posttest stage, the intensified tDCS had significant effects on momentary opioid craving reduction in all measured factors, e.g., desire and intention, negative reinforcement, and control ( p < 0.001). However, the results concerning treatment retention at the 3-month follow-up stage were insignificant for all factors ( p < 0.001). Conclusion Apparently, tDCS can be used as a tool to reduce craving. However, its application as an independent and sustainable treatment remains debatable.

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Developing a utility value set for the Gambling Quality of Life Scale-Brief (GQoLS-Brief) using a discrete choice experiment

Luquiens,

Panjo,

Bonnaire

et al. 2024

Qual Life Res

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Targeting cravings in substance addiction with transcranial direct current stimulation: insights from a meta-analysis of sham-controlled trials

Cited by 4 publications

References 92 publications

Concurrent self-administered transcranial direct current stimulation and attention bias modification training in binge eating disorder: feasibility randomised sham-controlled trial

Concurrent self-administered transcranial direct current stimulation and attention bias modification training in binge eating disorder: feasibility randomised sham-controlled trial

Effect of Intensified Transcranial Direct-current Stimulation Targeting Bilateral Dorsolateral Prefrontal Cortex on Craving Reduction in Patients with Opioid (Heroin) Use Disorder

Developing a utility value set for the Gambling Quality of Life Scale-Brief (GQoLS-Brief) using a discrete choice experiment

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