Either at left or right, both high and low frequency rTMS of dorsolateral prefrontal cortex decreases cue induced craving for methamphetamine.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES

The study is to investigate if left or right dorsolateral prefrontal cortex is important in modulating the craving to drug related cues.

METHODS

The present investigation examined different combinations between left/right and high/low frequency rTMS on cue induced craving to methamphetamine, with active sham rTMS on P3 region on a total of 50 subjects.

RESULTS

The results showed that either at left or right side, both high and low frequency rTMS are effective in decreasing the cue induced craving to methamphetamine.

DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSIONS

In conclusion, bilateral frontal hemispheres are effective in modulating the cue induced craving to methamphetamine with rTMS.

SCIENTIFIC SIGNIFICANCE

TMS targeting prefrontal cortex is effective for craving modulation; however the mechanism is more than potentiation or depression of single brain region. (Am J Addict 2017;26:776-779).