Effect of transcranial direct current stimulation on the number of smoked cigarettes in tobacco smokers

• DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0212312
• Publication Date: 2019-02-14T18:40:33Z
• Authors: Faisal Alghamdi; Ahmed Alhussien; Meshal Alohali; Abdullah Alatawi; Tariq Almusned; Shirley Fecteau; Syed Shahid Habib; Shahid Bashir
• Keywords: Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation; Dorsolateral prefrontal cortex; Regimen

Background Recent studies reported that transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) applied over the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC) reduced craving and cigarette smoking. We aimed to evaluate whether 3 sessions of tDCS DLPFC modulate smoking which is a critical factor in tobacco smokers. Methods In double-blinded, sham-controlled, parallel experimental study, 22 participants who wished quit received with cathodal right anodal left based on 10–20 EEG international system (F4, F3) at an intensity 1.5 mA for 20 minutes during three consecutive days. For sham stimulation, electrodes placement was same as active stimulation. Results short time interval (8 days after end regimen), number smoked cigarettes similarly groups (p < 0.001). Also, long time-interval (4 months regimen) compared pre-tDCS, there no significant difference = 0.806) or 0.573) groups. Overall, were statistically differences between Conclusion These findings suggested may reduce short-time period but might not be significantly more effective than decrease