Frontiers in Psychiatry (Apr 2021)

Considerations for Pairing Cognitive Behavioral Therapies and Non-invasive Brain Stimulation: Ignore at Your Own Risk

  • Christine A. Conelea,
  • Suma Jacob,
  • A. David Redish,
  • Ian S. Ramsay

DOI
https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyt.2021.660180
Journal volume & issue
Vol. 12

Abstract

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Multimodal approaches combining cognitive behavioral therapies (CBT) with non-invasive brain stimulation (NIBS) hold promise for improving the treatment of neuropsychiatric disorders. As this is a relatively new approach, it is a critical time to identify guiding principles and methodological considerations to enhance research rigor. In the current paper, we argue for a principled approach to CBT and NIBS pairings based on synergistic activation of neural circuits and identify key considerations about CBT that may influence pairing with NIBS. Careful consideration of brain-state interactions and CBT-related nuances will increase the potential for these combinations to be positively synergistic.

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