Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation to Treat Substance Use Disorders and Compulsive Behavior

Title:Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation to Treat Substance Use Disorders and Compulsive Behavior

Volume: 14 Issue: 3

Author(s): Maria I.B. Protasio, Joao P.L. da Silva, Oscar Arias-Carrion, Antonio E. Nardi, Sergio Machado and Marcelo S. Cruz

Affiliation:

Keywords: Alcohol, binge eating, cocaine, compulsion, gambling, repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation, tobacco.

Abstract: Compulsions, like pathological gambling, binge-eating disorder, alcohol, tobacco or cocaine abuse and compulsive shopping have similar neurophysiological processing. This study aimed to examine the efficacy of repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) in improving patient control over compulsive behavior. The rTMS modulatory role in cortical mesolimbic pathways possibly implies improvement of the inhibitory control system and compulsive consumption drive. Thus, craving reduction would be a component for control achievement. Within this context, 17 studies were found. Most studies applied rTMS over the left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex. Craving reduction was observed in 10 studies and was associated with improved control of compulsion in two of them. In one study reduction in consumption was found without reduction in craving. In addition, improvement in decision making was found in one study.

Cite this article as:

I.B. Protasio Maria, da Silva Joao P.L., Arias-Carrion Oscar, E. Nardi Antonio, Machado Sergio and S. Cruz Marcelo, Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation to Treat Substance Use Disorders and Compulsive Behavior, CNS & Neurological Disorders - Drug Targets 2015; 14 (3) . https://dx.doi.org/10.2174/1871527314666150318114043