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Open AccessSystematic Review
Is Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation Effective for Cognitive Dysfunction in Substance Use Disorders? A Systematic Review
by
Xinbi Zhang
Xinbi Zhang 1,2,
Mingming Huang
Mingming Huang 1,2,
Ying Yu
Ying Yu 3,4,
Xiaoke Zhong
Xiaoke Zhong 1,5,
Shengyu Dai
Shengyu Dai 1,2,
Yuanfu Dai
Yuanfu Dai 1,2 and
Changhao Jiang
Changhao Jiang 1,2,*
1
The Center of Neuroscience and Sports, Capital University of Physical Education and Sports, Beijing 100191, China
2
School of Kinesiology and Health, Capital University of Physical Education and Sports, Beijing 100191, China
3
Key Laboratory of Sport Training of General Administration of Sport of China, Beijing Sport University, Beijing 100084, China
4
Sports, Exercise and Brain Sciences Laboratory, Beijing Sport University, Beijing 100084, China
5
School of Physical Education and Sport Science, Fujian Normal University, No. 18, Wulongjiang Middle Avenue, Shangjie Town, Minhou County, Fuzhou 350108, China
*
Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Brain Sci. 2024, 14(8), 754; https://doi.org/10.3390/brainsci14080754 (registering DOI)
Submission received: 14 June 2024
/
Revised: 13 July 2024
/
Accepted: 25 July 2024
/
Published: 27 July 2024
Abstract
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.
Share and Cite
MDPI and ACS Style
Zhang, X.; Huang, M.; Yu, Y.; Zhong, X.; Dai, S.; Dai, Y.; Jiang, C.
Is Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation Effective for Cognitive Dysfunction in Substance Use Disorders? A Systematic Review. Brain Sci. 2024, 14, 754.
https://doi.org/10.3390/brainsci14080754
AMA Style
Zhang X, Huang M, Yu Y, Zhong X, Dai S, Dai Y, Jiang C.
Is Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation Effective for Cognitive Dysfunction in Substance Use Disorders? A Systematic Review. Brain Sciences. 2024; 14(8):754.
https://doi.org/10.3390/brainsci14080754
Chicago/Turabian Style
Zhang, Xinbi, Mingming Huang, Ying Yu, Xiaoke Zhong, Shengyu Dai, Yuanfu Dai, and Changhao Jiang.
2024. "Is Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation Effective for Cognitive Dysfunction in Substance Use Disorders? A Systematic Review" Brain Sciences 14, no. 8: 754.
https://doi.org/10.3390/brainsci14080754
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