High frequency repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation of the left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex for methamphetamine use disorders: A randomised clinical trial

Drug Alcohol Depend. 2017 Jun 1:175:84-91. doi: 10.1016/j.drugalcdep.2017.01.037. Epub 2017 Mar 29.

Abstract

Background: Repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) is a brain stimulation and modulation electrophysiological technique, it can change cortical excitability of target brain region, modulate neuron plasticity and brain connections. Previous researches indicated that rTMS could reduce cue-induced craving in drug addiction.

Objective: In this study, we employed real and sham rTMS of the left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC) to test whether it could reduce cue-induced craving for methamphetamine (MA) and influence cognitive function in a randomised clinical trial.

Methods: Thirty MA-addicted patients were randomized to receive 5 sessions of 8min sham or 10Hz rTMS to the left DLPFC. Subjects rated their craving at baseline, after exposed to MA-associated cues and after rTMS sessions.

Results: Real rTMS over the left DLPFC reduced craving significantly after 5 sessions of rTMS as compared to sham stimulation. Furthermore, real rTMS improved verbal learning and memory and social cognition in MA-addicted patients.

Conclusions: The present study suggests that 10Hz rTMS of the left DLPFC may reduce craving and have no negative effects on cognitive function in MA-addicted patients, supporting the safety of rTMS in treating MA addiction.

Keywords: Cognitive function; Craving; Dorsolateral prefrontal cortex; Methamphetamine; Repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation.

Publication types

  • Randomized Controlled Trial

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Amphetamine-Related Disorders / physiopathology
  • Amphetamine-Related Disorders / therapy*
  • Cognition / physiology
  • Craving / physiology*
  • Cues
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Methamphetamine
  • Middle Aged
  • Prefrontal Cortex / physiopathology*
  • Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation / methods*
  • Treatment Outcome
  • Young Adult

Substances

  • Methamphetamine