Deep brain stimulation for addiction: why the subthalamic nucleus should be favored

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Psychiatry
• Neurosurgery

Background:

• Deep brain stimulation (DBS) has emerged as a viable surgical treatment for psychiatric disorders, building on its success in neurological conditions like Parkinson's disease.
• DBS has been established for obsessive-compulsive disorder and treatment-resistant depression, with recent exploration into addiction treatment.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the theoretical, empirical, and technical evidence supporting the subthalamic nucleus as the primary target for DBS in treating drug addiction.
• To advocate for the subthalamic nucleus over alternative targets for DBS interventions in addiction.

Main Methods:

• Comprehensive review of existing literature on DBS for psychiatric and neurological disorders.
• Analysis of theoretical frameworks, empirical data, and technical considerations for target selection in DBS for addiction.

Main Results:

• The subthalamic nucleus presents a compelling target for DBS in addiction, supported by a convergence of evidence.
• Arguments favor the subthalamic nucleus due to its role in reward pathways and motor control relevant to addiction.

Conclusions:

• The subthalamic nucleus is proposed as the most promising target for deep brain stimulation in the surgical treatment of addiction.
• Further research and clinical trials are warranted to validate the efficacy and safety of targeting the subthalamic nucleus for addiction.