A New Treatment for Substance Use Disorders?

Excitatory repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation to the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex reduces craving and substance use, according to a meta-analysis.

Craving and executive function are regulated by the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (dlPFC) and influence relapse risk. Repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) to the left dlPFC, an established treatment for depression, can either inhibit or excite brain functioning in anatomically specific areas. These researchers conducted a meta-analysis of 26 studies of rTMS (N=748) for substance use disorders (SUDs).

Excitatory rTMS to left dlPFC (but not right dlPFC) reduced craving immediately after treatment across all SUDs (medium effect size). More total administered pulses were associated with greater craving reduction. In three studies with follow-up data (1–6 months), effects did not persist. Neither inhibitory stimulation nor deep st…

Reviewing Author

Claire Wilcox, MD

Disclosures

EquityMannkind Corporation

Grant/Research SupportNIH

Claire Wilcox, MD

Disclosures

EquityMannkind Corporation

Grant/Research SupportNIH

A New Treatment for Substance Use Disorders?

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Reviewing Author