Exploiting the hypodopaminergic state with Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation in addiction

Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (rTMS) of the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex may affect neuro-adaptations associated with addiction, thereby influencing drug craving and intake. Previous pre-clinical and clinical evidence suggest a tonically reduced functioning of the mesolimbic dopamine system leading to hypothesize that ‘boosting’ the hypofunctional system may yield clinical benefits. Here we show that rTMS reduces alcohol and cocaine intake in alcoholics and cocaine addicts. We investigated alcohol intake and dopamine transporter (DAT) availability by Single Photon Emission Computed Tomography (SPECT) in the s triatum, in Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD) patients before and after deep rTMS.
Source: BRAIN STIMULATION: Basic, Translational, and Clinical Research in Neuromodulation - Category: Neurology Authors: Source Type: research