Beyond the Surface: Deep Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation Efficacy in Reducing Craving in Addictive Disorders: A...

Area of Science:

• Neuromodulation
• Addictive Disorders
• Neuroscience

Background:

• Substance Use Disorders (SUDs) and Gambling Disorder (GD) are chronic addictive diseases with limited conventional treatment efficacy.
• Deep Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (dTMS) is a neuromodulation technique targeting deep brain regions, showing potential for addiction treatment.
• Existing research lacks definitive recommendations for dTMS in addiction therapy.

Purpose of the Study:

• To systematically review and quantitatively analyze the effects of dTMS on SUDs and GD.
• To assess the efficacy of dTMS in reducing craving scores in patients with addictive disorders.

Main Methods:

• Systematic review following PRISMA guidelines, including 17 studies up to February 2024.
• Meta-analysis of 12 sham-controlled studies using self-reported craving scores.
• Calculation of pre-post real stimulation standardized mean change (SMCC) as the effect size.

Main Results:

• A significant and large effect of real dTMS in reducing craving scores was observed (SMCC = -1.26).
• High heterogeneity was noted across studies in both quantitative and qualitative aspects.
• The findings suggest dTMS is effective in decreasing craving in addiction.

Conclusions:

• Preliminary evidence supports the effectiveness of dTMS for treating SUDs.
• Further rigorous research is required to optimize dTMS protocols and establish clinical guidelines.
• dTMS holds therapeutic potential for addiction, warranting continued investigation.