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Updated: Feb 20, 2026

A General Method for Evaluating Deep Brain Stimulation Effects on Intravenous Methamphetamine Self-Administration
Published on: January 22, 2016
[Clinical effects of non-invasive neuromodulation techniques in substance use disorder: an overview]
Background:
Substance dependence is a chronic disorder that is difficult to treat. Non-invasive stimulation techniques may have beneficial effects on the course of the illness.
Aim:
To provide an overview of studies that evaluate the clinical effects that transcranial magnetic stimulation (tMS) and transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) have on patients with substance use disorders.
Method:
We performed an extensive search of the literature, using PubMed.
Results:
Most studies showed that both tMS and tDCS have a beneficial effect on clinical outcomes. However, the effects seemed to wear off over time, even if tMS and tDCS had been administered to patients over several sessions.
Conclusion:
In terms of efficacy, we award a level B qualification to both tMS and tDCS, which means that we regard both techniques as 'very probably efficient'.
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