Time perception in stimulant-dependent participants undergoing repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation.

Background: The dopaminergic (DA) system is an important neural system for the modulation of time perception and the timing of motor actions. Dysregulation of the DA system is related to chronic use of stimulant drugs, which lead, among others, to executive dysfunctions. Little is known instead about the potential deficiencies in temporal processing of stimulant-dependent individuals.

The role of repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) in the treatment of behavioral addictions: Two case reports and review of the literature.

Background: Several behaviors, besides consumption of psychoactive substances, produce short-term reward that may lead to persistent aberrant behavior despite adverse consequences. Growing evidence suggests that these behaviors warrant consideration as nonsubstance or "behavioral" addictions, such as pathological gambling, internet gaming disorder and internet addiction.

Case Presentation: Here, we report two cases of behavioral addictions (BA), compulsive sexual behavior disorder for online porn use and internet gaming disorder.

Hair Testing for Classic Drugs of Abuse to Monitor Cocaine Use Disorder in Patients Following Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation Protocol Treatment.

In recent years, hair has become an alternative biological specimen for drug testing in the fields of forensic and clinical toxicology. The advantages of hair testing include larger detection windows (months/years), depending on the length of the hair shaft, compared to those of urine/blood (hours to 2-4 days for most drugs). Segmental hair analysis can disclose a month-to-month (considering 1 cm segment cuts) information of drug exposure (single or repeated) and potentially identify patterns of drug use/administration.

A Retrospective Comparative Study in Patients With Cocaine Use Disorder Comorbid With Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder Undergoing an rTMS Protocol Treatment.

Adult attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is associated with high comorbidity with other psychiatric diseases, including cocaine use disorder (CocUD). Given the common fronto-striatal dysfunction, ADHD patients often use cocaine as self-medication for ameliorating symptoms by increasing striatal dopamine release. Yet, comorbidity with ADHD is related to poor treatment outcomes.

Comparing different tests to detect early manifestation of prospective memory decline in aging.

Objective: Prospective memory (PM) is the ability to remember to perform future intentions. Previous studies have demonstrated that, compared to a younger cohort, healthy older adults have impairments in PM. Considering the importance of early detection of age-related PM decline, the present study aims to compare the performance of healthy older adults using three well-known PM tests commonly used in clinical settings.

Sleep quality improves during treatment with repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) in patients with cocaine use disorder: a retrospective observational study.

Background: Sleep disturbance is a prominent and common complaint in people with cocaine use disorder (CUD), either during intake or withdrawal. Repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) has shown promise as a treatment for CUD. Thus, we evaluated the relationship between self-perceived sleep quality and cocaine use pattern variables in outpatients with CUD undergoing an rTMS protocol targeted at the left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex.

Long-Term Outcome of Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation in a Large Cohort of Patients With Cocaine-Use Disorder: An Observational Study.

Cocaine is a psychostimulant drug used as performance enhancer throughout history. The prolonged use of cocaine is associated with addiction and a broad range of cognitive deficits. Currently, there are no medications proven to be effective for cocaine-use disorder (CocUD).

Clinical Improvements in Comorbid Gambling/Cocaine Use Disorder (GD/CUD) Patients Undergoing Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (rTMS).

(1) Background: Pathological gambling behaviors may coexist with cocaine use disorder (CUD), underlying common pathogenic mechanisms. Repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) has shown promise as a therapeutic intervention for CUD. In this case series, we evaluated the clinical effects of rTMS protocol stimulating the left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC) on the pattern of gambling and cocaine use.

Rehabilitation Tool: A Pilot Study On A New Neuropsychological Interactive Training System.

Over the past 20 years, research has led to the development of new technologies to improve the quality of life of brain-damaged user. Introduction of new neuropsychological rehabilitation tools based both on the new knowledge on brain plasticity and on the latest developments in computer sciences is both necessary and scientifically challenging for health professionals, particularly neuropsychologists. Here we present a pilot study in which the use of a new Apple

Neuropsychological testing through a Nintendo Wii console.

In recent years, videogames have demonstrated their positive effects in the psychological treatments and cognitive training of the old population. In this paper we present a pilot study in which a group of elderly people in an old people's home was requested to play a set of cognitive tasks administered through a popular videogames console, the Nintendo Wii. The results obtained by comparing the Wii cognitive games with traditional paper and pencil tests are described and discussed to orient further improvements.