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Deep brain stimulation as a therapy for alcohol addiction
Thomas F Münte1, Hans-Jochen Heinze, Veerle Visser-Vandewalle
1Clinic for Neurology, Ratzeburger Allee 160, 23538 Lübeck, Germany. thomas.muente@neuro.uni-luebeck.de
Current Topics in Behavioral Neurosciences
|June 9, 2012
Summary
Deep brain stimulation (DBS) shows promise for treating addiction. Targeting the nucleus accumbens (NAcc) with DBS is a potential new therapy that requires further research.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Psychiatry
- Neurosurgery
Background:
- Deep brain stimulation (DBS) is a proven therapy for movement disorders.
- Emerging evidence suggests DBS efficacy in psychiatric conditions, including addiction.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the rationale and target selection for DBS in addiction.
- To examine preclinical and clinical evidence supporting DBS for addiction.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of DBS in addiction.
- Analysis of animal models and human case studies.
Main Results:
- DBS targeting the nucleus accumbens (NAcc) shows potential for addiction treatment.
- Evidence from case reports and series indicates therapeutic benefits.
Conclusions:
- DBS, particularly of the NAcc, is a promising avenue for addiction treatment.
- Further investigation into DBS for addiction is warranted.
