Effects of non-invasive neurostimulation on craving: A meta-analysis

• Published in: Neuroscience and biobehavioral reviews Vol. 37; no. 10; pp. 2472 - 2480
• Main Authors: JANSEN, Jochem M, DAAMS, Joost G, KOETER, Maarten W. J, VELTMAN, Dick J, VAN DEN BRINK, Wim, GOUDRIAAN, Anna E
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Kidlington Elsevier 01-12-2013
• Subjects: Animals; Behavioral psychophysiology; Biological and medical sciences; Drug-Seeking Behavior - physiology; Electric Stimulation Therapy - methods; Fundamental and applied biological sciences. Psychology; Humans; Psychology. Psychoanalysis. Psychiatry; Psychology. Psychophysiology; Substance-Related Disorders - therapy; Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation - methods; Dorsolateral prefrontal cortex; Transcranial magnetic stimulation; Addiction; DLPFC; Direct current stimulation; tDCS; Craving; Review; Non-invasive neurostimulation; rTMS; Transcranial electrical stimulation; Metaanalysis
• ISSN: 0149-7634; 1873-7528
• DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2013.07.009

This meta-analysis was conducted to evaluate the available evidence regarding the effects of non-invasive neurostimulation of the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC), on craving in substance dependence and craving for high palatable food. Non-invasive neurostimulation techniques were restricted to repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (rTMS) and transcranial Direct Current Stimulation (tDCS). A total of 17 eligible studies were identified. Random effects analysis revealed a pooled standardized effect size (Hedge's g) of 0.476 (CI: 0.316-0.636), indicating a medium effect size favouring active non-invasive neurostimulation over sham stimulation in the reduction of craving (z=5.832, p<0.001). No significant differences were found between rTMS and tDCS, between the various substances of abuse and between substances of abuse and food, or between left and right DLPFC stimulation. In conclusion, this meta-analysis provides the first clear evidence that non-invasive neurostimulation of the DLPFC decreases craving levels in substance dependence.