Efficacy of transcranial magnetic stimulation in the treatment of alcohol dependence - a review article

Abstract

Introduction: Alcohol addiction is a common health problem with many negative consequences. Due to the unsatisfactory results of existing treatment, research is being undertaken into new forms of therapy. One such method is transcranial magnetic stimulation. This technique involves applying a magnetic field to the central nervous system. Successive magnetic pulses are delivered at a specific frequency causing neurons depolarization. Such repetitive exposure allows for long-term modulation of cortical excitability, and thus can lead to specific clinical effects. This paper discusses scientific reports about the treatment of alcohol dependence using transcranial magnetic stimulation (both papers on conventional repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation, theta burst stimulation and deep transcranial magnetic stimulation are included). Material and methods: Based on the search of the PubMed and Science Direct bibliographic databases, 12 studies published in the years 2010-2022 were selected. The results were tabulated to clearly compare differences in the parameters of stimulation, its location, as well as the effectiveness of the intervention used. Results: The results of selected studies were compared. Differences in methodology were pointed out and the problem of high dropout rate in addiction research was discussed. Conclusions: Currently, there is insufficient evidence to recommend the use of transcranial magnetic stimulation in the treatment of alcohol dependence. The results of the studies conducted to date are mixed. This is due, among other things, to the choice of different protocols, techniques and stimulation sites. For a reliable assessment of the effectiveness of this form of therapy, more andomized double-blind clinical trials and a sufficiently long follow-up period are needed. Keywords: alcoholism, transcranial magnetic stimulation, therapeutics, biological psychiatry