tDCS in Addiction and Impulse Control Disorders

Author(s)

Lapenta, Olivia M. ^{[1, 2, 3]} ; Marques, Lucas M. ^{[2, 3]} ; Rego, Gabriel G. ^{[2, 3]} ; Comfort, William E. ^{[2, 3]} ; Boggio, Paulo S. ^{[2, 3]}

Affiliation

^[1] Western Sydney Univ, MARCS Inst Brain Behav & Dev, Penrith, NSW - Australia

^[2] Univ Prebiteriana Mackenzie, Ctr Hlth & Biol Sci, Social & Cognit Neurosci Lab, Rua Piaui 181, 10 Andar, BR-01241001 Sao Paulo, SP - Brazil

^[3] Univ Prebiteriana Mackenzie, Ctr Hlth & Biol Sci, Dev Disorders Program, Rua Piaui 181, 10 Andar, BR-01241001 Sao Paulo, SP - Brazil

• Document type: Journal article
• Source: JOURNAL OF ECT; v. 34, n. 3, p. 182-192, SEP 2018.
• Web of Science Citations: 6

Abstract

The study of addiction and impulsion control disorders has shown that behaviors of seeking and consumption of addictive substances are subserved by neurobiological alterations specifically related to brain networks for reward, stress, and executive control, representing the brain's adaptation to the continued use of an addictive substance. In parallel, studies using neuromodulation techniques such as transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) have demonstrated promising effects in modulating cognitive and motor functions. This review aims to describe the neurobiology of addiction and some of the most relevant cognitive models of addictive behavior and to clarify how tDCS application modulates the intake and craving for several addictive substances, such as food, alcohol, nicotine, cocaine, crack, methamphetamine, and cannabis. We also discuss the positive and null outcomes of the use of this neuromodulatory technique in the treatment of addiction disorders resulting from the use of these substances. The reviewed findings lead us to conclude that tDCS interventions hold several promising clinical avenues in addiction and impulsive control. However, methodological investigations are necessary for undercover optimal parameters before implementing its clinical application. (AU)

• FAPESP's process: 17/06136-2 - In search of moral fellings: from the development of basic emotions to the role of complex moral emotions on the judgement process
• Grantee: Lucas Murrins Marques
• Support type: Scholarships in Brazil - Doctorate
• FAPESP's process: 17/12752-8 - Cognitive, social and affective neuroscience for understanding human interaction
• Grantee: William Edgar Machado Comfort
• Support type: Scholarships in Brazil - Post-Doctorate
• FAPESP's process: 15/18713-9 - Neurofeedback and transcranial direct current stimulation in electroencephalographic power spectra during attentional task
• Grantee: Gabriel Gaudencio Do Rêgo
• Support type: Scholarships in Brazil - Doctorate