SOURCE: Current Opinion in Behavioral Sciences. 48 (no pagination), 2022. Article Number: 101215.
DATE OF PUBLICATION: December 2022.
AUTHORS: Xu L.-X.; Geng X.-M.; Zhang J.-L.; Guo X.-Y.; Potenza M.N.; Zhang J.-T.
ABSTRACT: With increasing understanding of brain-circuit abnormalities in addictive behaviors, it is important to identify potentially causal relationships between brain circuits and addictions and to conduct neural-based interventions. Neuromodulation, including noninvasive and invasive stimulation, may be used to modify the functioning of brain circuits. For studies of problematic use of the Internet, the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex has been stimulated by transcranial direct current stimulation and repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation. The stimulation may enhance executive control and abilities or tendencies to regulate negative emotions, reduce Internet craving and decrease addiction severity. We propose that more rigorous experiments with longer-term follow-ups are needed to verify the effectiveness of and mechanisms underlying these approaches. Stimuli contexts and targeted brain regions may be investigated in randomized controlled trials to advance treatments for problematic use of the Internet.
HIGHLIGHTS
??nbsp; Non-invasive brain stimulation may help problematic use of the internet (PUI).
??nbsp; The dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (dlPFC) is a target for neuromodulation in PUI.
??nbsp; dlPFC stimulation may enhance executive control and regulation ability.
??nbsp; dlPFC stimulation may reduce internet craving and PUI severity.
??nbsp; Randomized controlled trials are needed to study neuromodulation efficacy.
FULL ARTICLE LINK: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cobeha.2022.101215
