Effects of transcranial direct current stimulation on symptoms of nicotine dependence: A systematic review and meta-analysis. (September 2019)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Kang, Nyeonju; Kim, Rye Kyeong; Kim, Hyun Joon
• Is Part Of: Addictive behaviors. Volume 96(2019)
• Page Start: 133
• Page End: 139
• Publication Date: 2019-09
• Subjects: Transcranial direct current stimulation -- Nicotine addiction -- Smoking dependence symptom -- Meta-analysis; Substance abuse -- Periodicals; Alcoholism -- Periodicals; Drug addiction -- Periodicals; Nicotine addiction -- Periodicals; Smoking -- Periodicals; Gambling -- Psychological aspects -- Periodicals; Electronic journals; 362.29
• DOI: 10.1016/j.addbeh.2019.05.006
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0306-4603

Abstract

Abstract: The purpose of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to investigate the effects of transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) on symptoms of nicotine dependence in treatment-seeking smokers. Twelve studies qualified for this meta-analysis, and we used 15 total comparisons from the included studies for the data synthesis. Primary outcome measures were changes in (a) cue-provoked craving and (b) smoking intake (i.e., the number of cigarettes smoked) between active tDCS stimulation and sham control groups. Random-effects model meta-analyses revealed significant positive effects of tDCS on seven cue-provoked craving comparisons (effect size = 0.422; P = .004) and eight smoking intake comparisons (effect size = 0.557; P = .004). Moderator variable analyses indicated that applying anodal-tDCS on the right dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC) revealed significant positive effects on the cue-provoked craving with minimal heterogeneity. Further, applying cathodal-tDCS on DLPFC regions showed more positive effects on both cue-provoked craving and smoking intake than cathodal-tDCS on other brain regions. These findings suggested that tDCS modulating DLPFC activity can be an effective option for decreasing individual's smoking dependence symptoms. Highlights: tDCS revealed positive effects on nicotine dependence symptoms in smokers. tDCS protocols significantly reduced cue-provoked craving and smoking intake. Right DLPFC anodal stimulation showed positive effects on cue-provoked craving. Cathodal DLPFC stimulation was effective for reducing nicotine addictive behaviors. tDCS modulating DLPFC activity may be an effective option for smokers.