The Effect of High-frequency Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation on Reducing Depression and Anxiety in Methamphetamine Users

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

1 Department of Psychology, School of Psychology, Tabriz Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tabriz, Iran

2 Department of Psychology, School of Educational Sciences and Psychology, University of Tabriz, Tabriz, Iran

3 Department of Psychology, School of Educational Sciences and Psychology, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran

Abstract

Background: Methamphetamine use has been associated with higher rates of depression and anxiety. The
mesocorticolimbic dopaminergic reward system seems to play a crucial role in inducing depression and
anxiety in methamphetamine users. High-frequency repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) has
been shown to alter dopaminergic neurotransmission considering the acute rewarding and reinforcing effects
in the subcortical structure. The aim of this study was to investigate the efficacy of rTMS in reducing
depression and anxiety symptoms in methamphetamine users.
Methods: In a single-subject method with concurrent multiple baseline designs, in 2017, in Iran, eight
methamphetamine users were included, which compared 15 days of active versus placebo stimulation and
control group. Two subjects received rTMS on the right dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC) and two
subjects received rTMS on the left DLPFC. We carried out the measurement using the Beck Anxiety Inventory
(BAI) and Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) before, during, and after 15 and 30 days of the procedure.
Findings: Right and left DLPFC stimulation significantly reduced depression and anxiety, but the reduction
of depression and anxiety by the right DLPFC stimulation was noticeable in this study.
Conclusion: High-frequency rTMS is useful for the treatment of depression and anxiety in methamphetamine
users

Keywords

Addiction & Health
Volume 12, Issue 4
October 2020
Pages 278-286

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