Electrophysiological correlates of resisting craving in adults with tobacco use disorders

Tobacco use disorder (TUD) is the largest premature cause of death in the world. While most adults with TUD have attempted to quit, only less than 10% quit for at least 6 months. Craving is one of the main causes of smoking relapses. Event-related potentials (ERPs) have been extensively studied using cue-provoked paradigms. However, little is known about ERPs related to resisting craving, which seems important to investigate since such activity might represent treatment targets to promote smoking cessation.

The goal of this work was to investigate the ERP correlates of resisting craving as compared to craving during a cue-provoked paradigm.

Fifty-three adults with TUD were assessed on urinary cotinine, tobacco dependence, anxiety, and impulsivity. They were presented with cigarette-related stimuli during two conditions (Crave and Resist craving). Craving ratings were collected on visual analog scales. EEG was recorded using 64 Ag-AgCl electrodes.

Results revealed that P3 and early late positive potential (LPP) amplitudes were smaller during the Resist than the Crave conditions. P1 and late LPP amplitudes were also smaller but did not survive correction for multiple comparisons. Furthermore, anxiety level was related to the P3 amplitude during the Resist and Crave conditions, but did not survive correction for multiple comparisons.

This line of work contributes to the identification of potential brain targets to help patients with TUD resist craving.