Brain stimulation to treat Internet addiction: A commentary

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Psychiatry
• Digital Health

Background:

• Internet addiction (IA) is a debated concept with limited scientific consensus.
• Non-Invasive Brain Stimulation (NIBS) techniques, like repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (rTMS), show promise for Substance Use Disorders (SUDs).
• No data currently exists on the therapeutic effects of rTMS for IA or problematic internet use.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the potential of rTMS as a treatment for Internet addiction (IA).
• To explore the efficacy of Non-Invasive Brain Stimulation (NIBS) techniques in addressing excessive internet use.

Main Methods:

• Review of existing literature on Non-Invasive Brain Stimulation (NIBS) for Substance Use Disorders (SUDs).
• Analysis of the conceptual similarities between SUDs and Internet addiction (IA).
• Assessment of the current lack of clinical trial data for rTMS in treating IA.

Main Results:

• The efficacy of rTMS for Internet addiction (IA) is currently unproven.
• There is a significant gap in research regarding the use of brain stimulation techniques for IA.
• Similarities exist between SUDs and IA, suggesting potential therapeutic parallels.

Conclusions:

• Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (rTMS) cannot be recommended for Internet addiction (IA) detoxification due to insufficient evidence.
• Further research is needed to investigate the efficacy of NIBS techniques, including rTMS, for treating Internet gaming disorder and other forms of IA.
• The potential application of NIBS in IA warrants investigation, drawing parallels from its success in treating SUDs.