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| Utilizing Brain Stimulation to Counter Nicotine Cravings |
Researchers have uncovered a potential breakthrough in the battle against cigarette cravings through the use of theta-burst transcranial magnetic stimulation (TBS). Their findings suggest that individuals struggling with nicotine dependence often exhibit structural brain differences that can compromise their inhibitory control (IC), making it challenging to resist the urge to smoke. However, the application of TBS appears to enhance IC, subsequently reducing cravings and leading to decreased smoking.
Theta-burst transcranial magnetic stimulation (TBS) involves the rapid delivery of magnetic field pulses, which can influence brain activity significantly.
People grappling with nicotine addiction tend to display diminished grey matter in their brains, impacting their inhibitory control and rendering them more susceptible to smoking impulses.
The study unveiled that both continuous TBS (cTBS) and intermittent TBS (iTBS) had favorable effects on IC, ultimately diminishing smoking cravings.
Theta-burst transcranial magnetic stimulation (TBS), characterized by strong, rapid magnetic field pulses that affect brain activity, has shown promise in enhancing self-control, reducing cravings, and subsequently curbing smoking habits.
Individuals burdened by nicotine addiction often exhibit substantial structural and functional disparities in their brain compared to non-smokers. Smoking has been associated with a reduction in grey matter, implying fewer neurons and other critical cells in the brain.
These disparities may have a significant impact on inhibitory control (IC), which plays a pivotal role in managing automatic urges and responses to various stimuli – the very ability that allows humans to resist impulsive reactions.
Lead author Brett Froeliger, PhD, a professor of Psychiatry, explained, "Having difficulties with IC may make it harder to avoid smoking when the urge arises, in response to all the cues and contexts in the environment that trigger the behavior to light a cigarette."
TBS involves applying bursts of magnetic pulses to the brain, commonly divided into continuous TBS (cTBS) and intermittent TBS (iTBS). cTBS entails repeatedly delivering these bursts for 40 seconds, while iTBS applies a similar number of pulses sporadically over more than 190 seconds.
Magnetic stimulation has previously been utilized to address various mental illnesses and disorders. For instance, cTBS has been explored experimentally for treating generalized anxiety disorder, while iTBS targeting the left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex – a region associated with cognitive processes – has received FDA approval for treating major depressive disorder.
The study encompassed 37 participants, primarily in their late 40s, and examined the effects of both cTBS and iTBS on the right inferior frontal gyrus, a brain region closely linked to IC. Researchers observed that cTBS improved IC, while both cTBS and iTBS reduced cravings, leading to a subsequent reduction in smoking.
Froeliger emphasized the potential significance of these findings, stating, "Identifying treatments that improve IC may help reduce smoking and can potentially help with preventing relapse following when a person attempts to quit smoking."
He added, "Treatments that improve IC may also help disrupt the cycle of drug use among individuals with other substance use disorders; however, further research is needed to examine the clinical value of TBS for treating substance use disorders."
In conclusion, this research opens new avenues for addressing nicotine dependence by harnessing the power of theta-burst transcranial magnetic stimulation (TBS) to bolster inhibitory control, alleviate cravings, and ultimately reduce smoking habits. Further exploration of the therapeutic potential of TBS in the context of substance use disorders is warranted.
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