[Clinical effects of non-invasive neuromodulation techniques in substance use disorder: an overview]

Tijdschr Psychiatr. 2017;59(10):643-649.
[Article in Dutch]

Abstract

Background: Substance dependence is a chronic disorder that is difficult to treat. Non-invasive stimulation techniques may have beneficial effects on the course of the illness.

Aim: To provide an overview of studies that evaluate the clinical effects that transcranial magnetic stimulation (tMS) and transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) have on patients with substance use disorders.

Method: We performed an extensive search of the literature, using PubMed.

Results: Most studies showed that both tMS and tDCS have a beneficial effect on clinical outcomes. However, the effects seemed to wear off over time, even if tMS and tDCS had been administered to patients over several sessions.

Conclusion: In terms of efficacy, we award a level B qualification to both tMS and tDCS, which means that we regard both techniques as 'very probably efficient'.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Humans
  • Substance-Related Disorders / therapy*
  • Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation / methods*
  • Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation / methods*
  • Treatment Outcome