Anterior Cingulate Cortex in Addiction: New Insights for Neuromodulation. Issue 2 (9th October 2020)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Zhao, Yijie; Sallie, Samantha N.; Cui, Hailun; Zeng, Ningning; Du, Jiang; Yuan, Tifei; Li, Dianyou; De Ridder, Dirk; Zhang, Chencheng
• Is Part Of: Neuromodulaton. Volume 24:Issue 2(2021)
• Page Start: 187
• Page End: 196
• Publication Date: 2020-10-09
• Subjects: Addiction -- alcohol -- anterior cingulate cortex -- neuromodulation -- substance use disorder; Central nervous system -- Physiology -- Periodicals; Central nervous system -- Diseases -- Periodicals; 616.8
• DOI: 10.1111/ner.13291
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1094-7159

Abstract

Abstract: Objectives: Substance use disorder (SUD) is characterized by compulsive use of addictive substances with considerable impact on both the medical system and society as a whole. The craving of substances leads to relapse in the majority of patients within one year of traditional treatments. In recent decades, neuromodulation approaches have emerged as potential novel treatments of SUD, but the ideal neural target remains contentious. Materials and Methods: In this review, we discuss new insights on the anterior cingulate cortex (ACC) as a neuromodulation target for SUD. Results and Conclusion: First, we illustrate that the ACC serves as a central "hub" in addiction‐related neural networks of cognitive functions, including, but not limited to, decision‐making, cognitive inhibition, emotion, and motivation. Then, we summarize the literature targeting the ACC to treat SUDs via available neuromodulation approaches. Finally, we propose potential directions to improve the effect of stimulating the ACC in SUD treatment. We emphasize that the ACC can be divided into at least four sub‐regions, which have distinctive functions and connections. Studies focusing on these sub‐regions may help to develop more precise and effective ACC stimulation according to patients' symptom profiles and cognitive deficits.