Transcranial electrical stimulation of dorsolateral prefrontal cortex in substance use disorder therapy

Abstract

There is a growing interest in therapeutic applications of non-invasive brain stimulation methods. Transcranial electrical stimulation is a non-invasive brain stimulation method used to modulate central nervous system excitability. The procedure involves placing two electrodes on the patient’s head through which very low-intensity electrical current is sent. Transcranial electrical stimulation methods include transcranial direct current stimulation and transcranial alternating current stimulation. These methods are considered to be safe and relatively inexpensive, and can be used in home settings. Research conducted in recent years suggests that transcranial electrical stimulation can be applied to support substance use disorder therapy. The positive effects of stimulation include decreased craving and frequency of substance use, an improved quality of life and changes in the activity of functional brain networks. Transcranial direct current stimulation with the anode being placed over the right dorsolateral prefrontal cortex and the cathode being placed over the left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex is considered to be of a particularly high therapeutic potential. There are a limited number of studies which indicate that not only direct current stimulation, but also alternating current stimulation can be used for substance use disorder therapy.