Prefrontal tDCS for Smoking Cessation: Focus on the Number of Sessions and Motivation to Quit

Neuromodulation through transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) has a B recommendation for the treatment of addiction according to therapeutic evidence guidance.We present an intervention, with randomization and placebo, to test the effectiveness of 10 tDCS sessions, without other treatment, spaced over 2 weeks, on tobacco consumption and craving, in 26 healthy smokers.The influence of motivation to quit, self-perceived efficacy, and previous physical dependence was assessed.Active dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC, cathode F3/anode F4) tDCS (20 min at 2 mA) was compared to sham through pre-post design with 1-month follow-up.Data analysis included AUCg formulas, ANOVA's and linear regressions.The experimental group showed significantly less consumption than sham during intervention (p = .02,d = .95)but not at follow-up, as well as a significant decrease in craving (p = .04, 2 = .15).The most prominent predictors of effectiveness were the number of cigarettes regularly smoked (B = 4.27, p = .001)and self-reported motivation to quit (B = -6.48,p = .05).In sum, tDCS helps to reduce tobacco consumption and craving, but its benefits are not maintained over time.It would be necessary to increase the number of sessions and control motivation and the level of previous consumption.