Aims

To support the free and open dissemination of research findings and information on alcoholism and alcohol-related problems. To encourage open access to peer-reviewed articles free for all to view.

For full versions of posted research articles readers are encouraged to email requests for "electronic reprints" (text file, PDF files, FAX copies) to the corresponding or lead author, who is highlighted in the posting.

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Tuesday, December 15, 2009

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


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 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.

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