TDCS in Addiction and Impulse Control Disorders

Lapenta O.M.; Marques L.M.; Rego G.G.; Comfort W.E.; Boggio P.S.

TDCS in Addiction and Impulse Control Disorders

Tipo

Artigo de revisão

Data de publicação

2018

Periódico

Journal of ECT

Citações (Scopus)

36

Autores

Lapenta O.M.
Marques L.M.
Rego G.G.
Comfort W.E.
Boggio P.S.

Resumo

© 2018 Wolters Kluwer Health, Inc. All rights reserved.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.

Assuntos Scopus

Cognition , Craving , Disruptive, Impulse Control, and Conduct Disorders , Humans , Substance-Related Disorders , Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation