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Transcranial Direct Current Brain Stimulation Increases Ability to Resist Smoking
Mary Falcone1, Leah Bernardo1, Rebecca L Ashare1
1Center for Interdisciplinary Research on Nicotine Addiction, Department of Psychiatry, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA.
Brain Stimulation
|November 18, 2015
Summary
Transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) of the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC) improved smoking cessation ability. Active tDCS significantly increased time to first cigarette and reduced overall consumption compared to sham stimulation.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Addiction Research
- Cognitive Enhancement
Background:
- Self-control is crucial for smoking cessation.
- Transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) modulates cognitive control.
- Previous studies show tDCS reduces craving, but not resistance to smoking.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess tDCS effects on resisting smoking.
- Investigated anodal stimulation of left DLPFC vs. sham.
- Used a validated smoking lapse paradigm.
Main Methods:
- 25 participants underwent active and sham tDCS sessions.
- Within-subject, double-blind, randomized, counterbalanced design.
- Measured time to first cigarette and cigarette consumption.
Main Results:
- Active tDCS significantly increased latency to smoke (p=0.02).
- Active tDCS significantly decreased cigarette consumption (p=0.014).
- Results were significant compared to sham stimulation.
Conclusions:
- Anodal left DLPFC stimulation improves smoking resistance.
- tDCS shows therapeutic potential for smoking cessation.
- Supports tDCS as a novel smoking cessation treatment.
