Is Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation Effective for Cognitive Dysfunction in Substance Use Disorders? A Systematic Review

Xinbi Zhang; Mingming Huang; Ying Yu; Xiaoke Zhong; Shengyu Dai; Yuanfu Dai; Changhao Jiang

doi:10.3390/brainsci14080754

Brain Sciences (Jul 2024)

Is Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation Effective for Cognitive Dysfunction in Substance Use Disorders? A Systematic Review

Xinbi Zhang,
Mingming Huang,
Ying Yu,
Xiaoke Zhong,
Shengyu Dai,
Yuanfu Dai,
Changhao Jiang

Affiliations

Xinbi Zhang: The Center of Neuroscience and Sports, Capital University of Physical Education and Sports, Beijing 100191, China
Mingming Huang: The Center of Neuroscience and Sports, Capital University of Physical Education and Sports, Beijing 100191, China
Ying Yu: Key Laboratory of Sport Training of General Administration of Sport of China, Beijing Sport University, Beijing 100084, China
Xiaoke Zhong: The Center of Neuroscience and Sports, Capital University of Physical Education and Sports, Beijing 100191, China
Shengyu Dai: The Center of Neuroscience and Sports, Capital University of Physical Education and Sports, Beijing 100191, China
Yuanfu Dai: The Center of Neuroscience and Sports, Capital University of Physical Education and Sports, Beijing 100191, China
Changhao Jiang: The Center of Neuroscience and Sports, Capital University of Physical Education and Sports, Beijing 100191, China

DOI: https://doi.org/10.3390/brainsci14080754
Journal volume & issue: Vol. 14, no. 8
p. 754

Abstract

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Patients with substance use disorders (SUDs) often suffer from cognitive dysfunction (CD), affecting their quality of life and daily functioning. Current treatments, including pharmacotherapy and psychotherapy, have limited efficacy and notable side effects. Transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS), a non-invasive technique that modulates cortical activity, shows promise in improving cognitive function with minimal side effects and low cost, and could potentially serve as a valuable adjunct to existing therapies. This systematic review aims to evaluate the literature on the effectiveness of tDCS for CD in SUD patients to inform clinical practice and future research. Following PRISMA guidelines, the review includes studies that used tDCS for SUD-related CD. The criteria for inclusion encompassed participants aged 18 and older with a diagnosis of SUD, the use of tDCS (either conventional or high-definition), control groups receiving sham stimulation or no intervention, and cognitive outcome measures for substance-related cognitive function using validated tools. Databases searched were Ovid MEDLINE, PubMed, Web of Science, Embase, Scopus, and PsycINFO, with specific keywords. Twenty-two studies met the criteria, suggesting tDCS can improve cognitive functions in SUD patients, though results varied. Effectiveness may depend on the brain area targeted, stimulation parameters, task requirements, and individual differences. tDCS shows potential in treating SUD-related CD, but further research is needed to optimize stimulation protocols and address study variability. Future studies should use functional magnetic resonance imaging to explore the brain mechanisms by which tDCS improves cognitive function in SUDs and focus on larger, long-term trials to confirm efficacy and refine tDCS treatment parameters.

Published in Brain Sciences

ISSN: 2076-3425 (Online)
Publisher: MDPI AG
Country of publisher: Switzerland
LCC subjects: Medicine: Internal medicine: Neurosciences. Biological psychiatry. Neuropsychiatry
Website: https://www.mdpi.com/journal/brainsci/

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