Repeated stimulation of the dorsolateral-prefrontal cortex improves executive dysfunctions and craving in drug addiction: A randomized, double-blind, parallel-group study.

Background: According to the neurocognitive model of addiction, the development and maintenance of drug addiction is associated with cognitive control deficits, as well as decreased activity of prefrontal regions, especially the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC). This study investigated how improving executive functions (EFs) impacts methamphetamine-use disorder, which has been less explored compared to craving, but might be a central aspect for the therapeutic efficacy of DLPFC stimulation in drug addiction.

Methods: We assessed the efficacy of 10 repeated sessions of transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) over the DLPFC on executive dysfunctions in methamphetamine-use disorder, and its association with craving alterations.