Commentary on Mishra et al. (2010): transcranial magnetic stimulation effects on craving: impressive therapy or therapeutic impressions?

摘要

With their clinical trial of repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) of the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex, Mishra and colleagues unveil an exciting, novel, high-tech approach to the treatment of alcohol dependence [1]. Ten daily sessions of TMS reduced alcohol craving during the month following treatment in patients who received active versus sham TMS. The exact mechanisms of this treatment (i.e. its impact on circuits, neural firing patterns and plasticity, and addiction processes) are unclear, but biologically plausible. Promising to validate undeniably Alan Leshner's credo that 'addiction is a brain disease' to the world, this early clinical trial will rightfully generate interest and excitement [2].