Repeated Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation (tDCS) on Methamphetamine Craving: A Randomized, Sham-controlled Study

Objectives: The modulation of the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC) activity enhanced the prospects of substance use disorders rehabilitation, using non-invasive brain stimulation, such as transcranial Direct Current Stimulation (tDCS). Methods: We carried out a randomized sham-controlled clinical trial to assess the effect of repeated tDCS at DLPFC on drug craving in ۳۰ abstinent male methamphetamine users. The participants underwent ۵ sessions of ۲۰ minutes bilateral real or sham ۲ mA tDCS (anode right/ cathode left) of DLPFC. The Desire for Drug Questionnaire (DDQ) was used for assessing instant craving. The cue-induced craving was rated on a Visual Analog Scale (VAS) after the verbal induction of craving. Results: The findings of this study indicated that cue-induced craving reduced significantly in tDCS related to sham (P<۰.۰۵), but tDCS did not significantly alter instant craving. Discussion: The results indicated that repeated bilateral tDCS over DLPFC was not effective in reducing self-report instant craving, but reduced self-reported craving in the craving induction condition.

Keywords:

Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation , Methamphetamine craving , Dorsolateral prefrontal cortex