Efficacy of intermittent theta burst stimulation in the treatment of patients with alcohol dependence
Objective To explore the clinical effect of intermittent theta burst stimulation(iTBS)on the patients with alcohol dependence.Methods A total of 96 patients with alcohol dependence were randomly divided into two groups of A and B with 48 cases each.On the basis of diazepam replacement therapy and conventional symptomatic and supportive therapy,the patients in groups of A and B were accepted iTBS and pseudo-stimulation of left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex,respectively.The degree of alcohol craving was assessed by VAS and Penn Alcohol Craving Scale(PACS)scores before treatment and at 4 and 12 weeks after treatment.The depression and anxiety were evaluated by Beck depression inventory(BDI)and Beck anxiety inventory(BAI)scores,respectively.The ability of response inhibition was analyzed by stop signal reaction time(SSRT).The redrinking was followed up at 4 and 12 weeks after discharge.Results Compared with before treatment,the VAS,PACS,BDI and BAI scores and SSRT were decreased at 4 and 12 weeks after treatment in both groups(P<0.05).The VAS,PACS,BDI and BAI scores and SSRT at 4 and 12 weeks after treatment in group A were less than those in group B(P<0.05).The redrinking rate at 12 weeks after discharge in group A was lower than that in group B(4.17%vs.10.42%)(P<0.05).Conclusion iTBS can effectively improve the negative emotion,degree of alcohol craving and ability of response inhibition,and reduce the redrinking rate of the patients with alcohol dependence.