A review of non-invasive brain stimulation as a treatment for gambling disorder

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Author(s): Pettorruso, Mauro ; Miuli, Andrea ; Di Natale, Chiara ; Montemitro, Chiari ; Zoratto, Francesca ; De Risio, Luisa ; d'Andrea, Giacomo ; Pinhas, N. ; Martinotti, Giovanni ; di Giannantonio, Massimo

Journal: Addictive Behaviours

Year Published: 2020

Date Added: December 24, 2020

Gambling disorder affects many people, but there are still few treatments for it. Non-invasive brain stimulation (NIBS) is a potential treatment. There are two types of NIBS: Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) and transcranial Direct Current Stimulation (tDCS). This paper reviewed 27 studies that tested whether TMS and tDCS improved gambling-related decision-making in people with gambling disorder. Most studies targeted the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC) which is involved in decision-making. tDCS on the DLPFC improved scores on gambling, impulsivity, and risk-taking. TMS that increased activity in the DLPFC also improved scores for gambling behaviours and cravings. Thus, increasing activity in the DLPFC with tDCS or TMS may be effective in treating gambling disorder.

Citation: Pettorruso, M., Miuli, A., Di Natale, C., Montemitro, C., Zoratto, F., De Risio, L., … di Giannantonio, M. (2020). Non-invasive brain stimulation targets and approaches to modulate gambling-related decisions: A systematic review. Addictive Behaviors, 112, 106657. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.addbeh.2020.106657

Article DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.addbeh.2020.106657

Keywords: behavioural addictions ; gambling disorder ; prefrontal cortex ; Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) ; treatment

Topics: Biological Factors ; Information for Treatment Providers

Conceptual Framework Factors: Psychological Factors ; Psychological - Judgement and Decision Making ; Biological Factors ; Biological - Neurobiology ; Resources - Interventions

Study Design: Systematic Review

Study Funding:

This work was supported by the “Departments of Excellence 2018-2022″ initiative of the Italian Ministry of Education, University and Research for the Department of Neuroscience, Imaging and Clinical Sciences (DNISC) of the University of Chieti Pescara.