Neuromodulation for Addiction: Clinical efficacy and application research

Min ZhaoLecture Hall A

Addiction represents a global health challenge. Craving is the primary clinical manifestation of addiction with unclear mechanism, characterized by dysfunction within neural circuits across various brain regions. Neuromodulation such as repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) and transcranial electrical stimulation (tES) have the potential in the treatment of addiction. We explored the neurobiological basis of craving and investigated the efficacy of neuromodulation for addiction. Randomized controlled trials demonstrated that rTMS significantly reduces cravings and relapse rates among MA users. In the real stimulation group, we observed enhanced functional connectivity between the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC) and inferior parietal lobule (IPL), along with decreased GABA levels in DLPFC, and EEG signals. Our study also suggested that stimulation targeting both left DLPFC and left ventromedial prefrontal cortex (vmPFC) improved the efficacy. Besides, we found that patients with gaming disorder had abnormal interpersonal interaction and decreased inter-brain synchronization in the DLPFC. Transcranial alternating current stimulation (tACS) is effective to reduce craving and may influence the inter-brain synchronization, subsequently impacting their interpersonal interaction. Additionally, we are conducting related research on closed-loop neuromodulation, temporally interfering (TI) intervention, deep brain stimulation (DBS) intervention and cross-frequency coupled electrical stimulation intervention for addiction. Future investigations may focus on optimizing parameters and exploring clinically applicable interventions.

Min Zhao, M.D., Ph.D., Consultant Psychiatrist, Professor, is the President of Shanghai Mental Health Center, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine and the director of the National Center for Mental Disorders (China). She is a member of International Advisory Group a member of the expert group and Field Studies Coordination Group of the ICD-11, and a member of the Informal Scientific Network of UNODC. She is the Chair of WADD (World Association on Dual Disorders), Member of International Society of Addiction Medicine (ISAM) Global Experts Network (ISAM-GEN) China Chapter, President of Chinese Psychiatric Hospital Association, Vice-president of Chinese Society of Psychiatry and Chinese Psychiatrist Association. She has also been granted more than 20 projects by the Ministry of Science and Technology, the National Natural Science Foundation of China, WHO, NIH, etc. She has published more than 200 papers, and over 40 books and chapters. She is an expert receiving the special allowance from the State Council, and has been rewarded with many international and national awards, such as NIH/NIDA Outstanding Scientist Award for International Collaboration. National Distinguished Doctor, Wuzhou Women's Science and Technology Award, etc.

Mon 13:45 - 14:45

Keynote Lecture