Deep Brain Stimulation as a Therapy for Alcohol Addiction.
Summary of "Deep Brain Stimulation as a Therapy for Alcohol Addiction."
Deep brain stimulation (DBS) has been firmly established as a therapy for movement disorders. Recently, evidence from case reports and small case series also suggests DBS to be effective in psychiatric disorders including addiction. Here we review the rationale of DBS in addiction and the selection of possible targets. We then consider evidence from animal models as well as human case studies. We conclude that DBS in particular of the nucleus accumbens (NAcc) represents a promising treatment option in addiction which deserves further investigation.
Affiliation
Clinic for Neurology, Ratzeburger Allee 160, 23538, Lübeck, Germany, Thomas.muente@med.ovgu.de.
Journal Details
This article was published in the following journal.
Name: Current topics in behavioral neurosciences
ISSN: 1866-3370
Pages:
Links
- PubMed Source: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22678648
- DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/7854_2012_207
Medical and Biotech [MESH] Definitions
Deep Brain Stimulation
Therapy for MOVEMENT DISORDERS, especially PARKINSON DISEASE, that applies electricity via stereotactic implantation of ELECTRODES in specific areas of the BRAIN such as the THALAMUS. The electrodes are attached to a neurostimulator placed subcutaneously.
Self Stimulation
Stimulation of the brain, which is self-administered. The stimulation may result in negative or positive reinforcement.
Alcoholism
A primary, chronic disease with genetic, psychosocial, and environmental factors influencing its development and manifestations. The disease is often progressive and fatal. It is characterized by impaired control over drinking, preoccupation with the drug alcohol, use of alcohol despite adverse consequences, and distortions in thinking, most notably denial. Each of these symptoms may be continuous or periodic. (Morse & Flavin for the Joint Commission of the National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence and the American Society of Addiction Medicine to Study the Definition and Criteria for the Diagnosis of Alcoholism: in JAMA 1992;268:1012-4)
Naltrexone
Derivative of noroxymorphone that is the N-cyclopropylmethyl congener of NALOXONE. It is a narcotic antagonist that is effective orally, longer lasting and more potent than naloxone, and has been proposed for the treatment of heroin addiction. The FDA has approved naltrexone for the treatment of alcohol dependence.
Cerebellum
The part of brain that lies behind the BRAIN STEM in the posterior base of skull (CRANIAL FOSSA, POSTERIOR). It is also known as the "little brain" with convolutions similar to those of CEREBRAL CORTEX, inner white matter, and deep cerebellar nuclei. Its function is to coordinate voluntary movements, maintain balance, and learn motor skills.
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