A double‐blind sham‐controlled phase 1 clinical trial of tDCS of the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex in cocaine inpatients: Craving, sleepiness, and contemplation to change

• DOI: 10.1111/ejn.15172
• Publication Date: 2021-03-04T17:51:31Z
• Authors: Pierre‐Olivier Ga...; Akarsh Sharma; Abhishek Datta; Ester M. Nakamura...; Sarah King; Pias Malaker; Ariella Wagner; Devarshi Vasa; Muhammad A. Parvaz; Lucas C. Parra; Nelly Alia‐Klein; Rita Z. Goldstein
• Keywords: Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation; Dorsolateral prefrontal cortex

Impaired inhibitory control accompanied by enhanced salience attributed to drug-related cues, both associated with function of the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (dlPFC), are hallmarks drug addiction, contributing worse symptomatology including craving. dlPFC modulation transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) previously showed craving reduction in inpatients cocaine use disorder (CUD). Our study aimed at assessing feasibility a longer tDCS protocol CUD (15 versus common five/10 sessions) and replicability previous results. In randomized double-blind sham-controlled protocol, 17 were assigned either real-tDCS (right anodal/left cathodal) or sham-tDCS condition for 15 sessions. Following report, primary outcome measures self-reported craving, anxiety, depression, quality life. Secondary included sleepiness, readiness change use, affect. We also assessed cognitive impulsivity. An 88% retention rate demonstrated feasibility. Partially supporting results, there was trend decrease group more than sham-group, an effect that would reach significance subjects per group. Quality life impulsivity improved over time treatment groups. Daytime sleepiness significant Group × Time interactions whereby improvements noted only One-month follow-up suggested transient effects on These preliminary results suggest need show unique examine duration this effect. After replication larger sample sizes, increased vigilance motivation may fortification dlPFC-supported executive functions.