Non-invasive Brain Stimulation for Gambling Disorder: A Systematic Review

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Psychiatry
• Behavioral Addiction

Background:

• Gambling disorder (GD) is a prevalent behavioral addiction with similarities to substance use disorders.
• Current therapeutic interventions for GD are limited.
• Non-invasive brain stimulation (NIBS) presents a potential novel treatment avenue for GD.

Approach:

• Systematic review of studies applying repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) and transcranial direct current stimulation (t-DCS) to individuals with GD or problem gambling.
• Literature search conducted across major scientific databases up to December 2019.
• Included studies focused on therapeutic effects, excluding those on healthy subjects or basic neurophysiology.

Key Points:

• Eleven studies were included, showing mixed results.
• Most studies reported reductions in gambling behavior, craving, and related symptoms.
• Observed effects on psychiatric symptoms were inconsistent; some studies noted improvements in impulsivity and cognitive control.

Conclusions:

• Significant clinical and methodological heterogeneity across studies precludes definitive conclusions on NIBS efficacy for GD.
• Small sample sizes and variability in protocols, outcome measures, and follow-up periods limit current findings.
• Further high-quality, well-powered research is essential to validate NIBS interventions for gambling disorder.