Repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation reduces cue-induced food craving in bulimic disorders

Effective non-invasive brain stimulation over dorsolateral prefrontal cortex for modulation of food craving and consumption: A systematic and meta-analytic review

In recent decades, non-invasive brain stimulation (NIBS) has gained attention as a potential tool for promoting dietary regulation by modulating activity in the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (dlPFC). However, the findings from individual experimental studies and meta-analyses have been inconsistent. To address this, we conducted a meta-analytic and systematic review of past studies focusing on neuromodulation of the dlPFC. Our research included 13 studies using repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS; 16 samples, 506 participants) and 29 transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS; 31 samples, 1004 participants). By adjusting the pre-post correlation, we detected small-to-moderate effect sizes of NIBS on food craving (rTMS: Hedge's g = -0.57; tDCS: Hedge's g = -0.26) and food consumption (rTMS: Hedge's g = -0.51; tDCS: Hedge's g = -0.17). Additionally, we observed that the efficacy of NIBS was influenced by various moderators, including stimulation parameters, research protocols, and participant characteristics. Notably, both rTMS and tDCS appeared to enhance dlPFC function in dietary regulation for people with eating disorders or obesity. Furthermore, these effects were more pronounced with multi-session stimulation compared to single-session stimulation. Finally, based on the existing literature, we discuss the role of the dlPFC in the appetitive reward processing pathway and provide suggestions for future research directions.

Efficacy of Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (rTMS) in the Treatment of Bulimia Nervosa (BN): A Review and Insight into Potential Mechanisms of Action

INTRODUCTION

Bulimia nervosa (BN) is a disorder primarily affecting adolescent females, characterized by episodes of binge eating followed by inappropriate compensatory behaviors aimed at preventing weight gain, including self-induced vomiting and the misuse of diuretics, laxatives, and insulin. The precise etiology of BN remains unknown, with factors such as genetics, biological influences, emotional disturbances, societal pressures, and other challenges contributing to its prevalence. First-line treatment typically includes pharmacotherapy, which has shown moderate effectiveness. Neuroimaging evidence suggests that altered brain activity may contribute to the development of BN, making interventions that directly target the brain extremely valuable. One such intervention is repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS), a non-invasive stimulation technique that has been garnering interest in the medical community for many years.

METHODS

This review explores the use of rTMS in the treatment of BN. Searches were conducted in the PubMed/Medline, ResearchGate, and Cochrane databases.

RESULTS

Twelve relevant studies were identified. Analysis of the results from these studies reveals promising findings, particularly regarding key parameters in the pathophysiology of BN. Several studies assessed the impact of rTMS on binge episodes. While some studies did not find significant reductions, most reported decreases in binge eating and purging behaviors, with some cases showing complete remission. Reductions in symptoms of depression and food cravings were also demonstrated. However, results regarding cognitive improvement were mixed. The discussion focused heavily on potential mechanisms of action, including neuromodulation of brain networks, induction of neuroplasticity, impact on serotonergic dysfunction, anti-inflammatory action, and HPA axis modulation. rTMS was found to be a safe intervention with no serious side effects.

CONCLUSIONS

rTMS in the treatment of BN appears to be a promising intervention that alleviates some symptoms characteristic of the pathophysiology of this disorder. An additional effect is a significant reduction in depressive symptoms. However, despite these findings, further research is required to confirm its effectiveness and elucidate the mechanisms of action. It is also recommended to further investigate the potential mechanisms of action described in this review.

Structural and functional neural patterns among sub-threshold bulimia nervosa: Abnormalities in dorsolateral prefrontal cortex and orbitofrontal cortex

BACKGROUND

Disordered eating behaviors are prevalent among youngsters and highly associated with dysfunction in neurocognitive systems. We aimed to identify the potential changes in individuals with bulimia symptoms (sub-BN) to generate insights to understand developmental pathophysiology of bulimia nervosa.

METHODS

We investigated group differences in terms of degree centrality (DC) and gray matter volume (GMV) among 145 undergraduates with bulimia symptoms and 140 matched control undergraduates, with the secondary analysis of the whole brain connectivity in these regions of interest showing differences in static functional connectivity (FC).

RESULTS

The sub-BN group exhibited abnormalities of the right dorsolateral prefrontal cortex and right orbitofrontal cortex in both GMV and DC, and displayed decreased FC between these regions and the precuneus. We also observed that sub-BN presented with reduced FC between the calcarine and superior temporal gyrus, middle temporal gyrus and inferior parietal gyrus. Additionally, brain-behavioral associations suggest a distinct relationship between these FCs and psychopathological symptoms in sub-BN group.

CONCLUSIONS

Our study demonstrated that individuals with bulimia symptoms present with aberrant neural patterns that mainly involved in cognitive control and reward processing, as well as attentional and self-referential processing, which could provide important insights into the pathology of BN.

Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (rTMS) Improves Cognitive Impairment and Intestinal Microecological Dysfunction Induced by High-Fat Diet in Rats

Consuming a high-fat diet (HFD) is widely recognized to cause obesity and result in chronic brain inflammation that impairs cognitive function. Repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) has shown effectiveness in both weight loss and cognitive improvement, although the exact mechanism is still unknown. Our study examined the effects of rTMS on the brain and intestinal microecological dysfunction. rTMS successfully reduced cognitive decline caused by an HFD in behavioral assessments involving the Y maze and novel object recognition. This was accompanied by an increase in the number of new neurons and the transcription level of genes related to synaptic plasticity (spindlin 1, synaptophysin, and postsynaptic protein-95) in the hippocampus. It was reached that rTMS decreased the release of high mobility group box 1, activation of microglia, and inflammation in the brains of HFD rats. rTMS also reduced hypothalamic hypocretin levels and improved peripheral blood lipid metabolism. In addition, rTMS recovered the HFD-induced gut microbiome imbalances, metabolic disorders, and, in particular, reduced levels of the microvirus. Our research emphasized that rTMS enhanced cognitive abilities, resulting in positive impacts on brain inflammation, neurodegeneration, and the microbiota in the gut, indicating the potential connection between the brain and gut, proposing that rTMS could be a new approach to addressing cognitive deficits linked to obesity.

Neuromodulation of Eating Disorders: A Review of Underlying Neural Network Activity and Neuromodulatory Treatments

Eating disorders are a group of psychiatric conditions that involve pathological relationships between patients and food. The most prolific of these disorders are anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, and binge eating disorder. The current standard of care involves psychotherapy, pharmacotherapy, and the management of comorbid conditions, with nutritional rehabilitation reserved for severe cases of anorexia nervosa. Unfortunately, many patients often fail to respond, leaving a concerning treatment gap between the current and requisite treatments for eating disorders. To better understand the neurobiology underlying these eating disorders, investigations have been undertaken to characterize the activity of various neural networks, primarily those activated during tasks of executive inhibition, reward processing, and self-reference. Various neuromodulatory techniques have been proposed to stimulate these networks with the goal of improving patients' BMI and mental health. The aim of this review is to compile a comprehensive summarization of the current literature regarding the underlying neural connectivity of anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, and binge eating disorder as well as the numerous neuromodulatory modalities that have been investigated. Importantly, we aimed to summarize the most significant clinical trials to date as well as to provide an updated assessment of the role of deep brain stimulation, summarizing numerous recently published clinical studies that have greatly contributed to the literature. In this review, we found therapeutic evidence for transcranial magnetic stimulation and transcranial direct current stimulation in treating individuals suffering from anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, and binge eating disorder. We also found significant evidence for the role of deep brain stimulation, particularly as an escalatory therapy option for the those who failed standard therapy. Finally, we hope to provide promising directions for future clinical investigations.

Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation for the Treatment of Gambling Disorder: A Systematic Review

BACKGROUND

Gambling Disorder (GD) is a behavioral addiction listed within the diagnostic category of substance-related and addictive disorders. Recently, transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS), which non-invasively stimulates the brain and has neuromodulatory properties, has emerged as an innovative treatment tool for GD, thus offering a new option for the management of this complex disorder. The present review explored the efficacy of TMS as a possible non-pharmacological treatment for GD.

METHODS

An exhaustive search was performed across the MEDLINE, Web of Science, and EMBASE databases using a specific search string related to GD and TMS. A total of 20 papers were selected for full-text examination, out of which eight fulfilled the inclusion criteria and were therefore systematically analyzed in the present review.

RESULTS

This review included eight studies: three randomized-controlled trials (RCTs), three non-controlled studies, one case series, and one case report. Two cross-over RCTs described a decrease in craving after high-frequency (excitatory), repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) over the left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC) and the medial prefrontal cortex (PFC), respectively; another study applying low-frequency (inhibitory) rTMS on the right DLPFC did not find any positive effect on craving. Among uncontrolled studies, one demonstrated the beneficial effect of high-frequency rTMS over the left DLPFC, while another showed the efficacy of a continuous theta burst stimulation protocol directed over the pre-supplementary motor area, bilaterally.

CONCLUSION

The included studies showed the promising effect of excitatory stimulation over the left PFC. However, further investigation is needed, particularly in terms of standardizing stimulation protocols and psychometric assessments.

Altered prefrontal activation during the inhibition of eating responses in women with bulimia nervosa

BACKGROUND

The sense of 'loss of control' (LOC), or a feeling of being unable to stop eating or control what or how much one is eating, is the most salient aspect of binge eating. However, the neural alterations that may contribute to this experience and eating behavior remain poorly understood.

METHODS

We used functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS) to measure activation in the prefrontal cortices of 23 women with bulimia nervosa (BN) and 23 healthy controls (HC) during two tasks: a novel go/no-go task requiring inhibition of eating responses, and a standard go/no-go task requiring inhibition of button-pressing responses.

RESULTS

Women with BN made more commission errors on both tasks. BN subgroups with the most severe LOC eating (n = 12) and those who felt most strongly that they binge ate during the task (n = 12) showed abnormally reduced bilateral ventromedial prefrontal cortex (vmPFC) and right ventrolateral prefrontal cortex (vlPFC) activation associated with eating-response inhibition. In the entire BN sample, lower eating-task activation in right vlPFC was related to more frequent and severe LOC eating, but no group differences in activation were detected on either task when this full sample was compared with HC. BN severity was unrelated to standard-task activation.

CONCLUSIONS

Results provide initial evidence that diminished PFC activation may directly contribute to more severe eating-specific control deficits in BN. Our findings support vmPFC and vlPFC dysfunction as promising treatment targets, and indicate that eating-specific tasks and fNIRS may be useful tools for identifying neural mechanisms underlying dysregulated eating.

Modified cue exposure for adolescents with binge eating behaviour: study protocol of a randomised pilot trial called EXI(ea)T

INTRODUCTION

Binge eating (BE) behaviour is highly prevalent in adolescents, and can result in serious metabolic derangements and overweight in the long term. Weakened functioning of the behavioural inhibition system is one potential pathway leading to BE. Food cue exposure focusing on expectancy violation (CE_EV) is a short intervention for BE that has proven effective in adults but has never been tested in adolescents. Thus, the current randomised pilot trial evaluates the feasibility of CE_EV for adolescents and its efficacy in reducing eating in the absence of hunger (EAH) of binge food items.

METHODS AND ANALYSIS

The trial will include N=76 female adolescents aged between 13 and 20 years with a diagnosis of bulimia nervosa, binge eating disorder (BED) or their subthreshold forms based on the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5). Participants will be randomly assigned to two sessions of CE_EV or behavioural analysis (BA), a classical cognitive-behavioural therapy-based intervention. The primary endpoint is the change in EAH measured according to ad libitum consumption of personally preferred binge food in a bogus taste test at post-test based on the intention-to-treat population. Key secondary endpoints are changes in EAH of standardised binge food at post-test, in EAH at 3-month follow-up (FU) and in food craving after induction of food cue reactivity at post-test and FU. To identify further valid outcome parameters, we will assess effects of CE_EV compared with BA on global ED psychopathology, BE frequency within the last 28 days, body weight, response inhibition and emotion regulation abilities. Treatment groups will be compared using analysis of covariance with intervention as fixed factor and body mass index at baseline as covariate.

ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION

This clinical trial has been approved by the Ethics Review Committee of the Medical Association of Rhineland-Palatinate and the Medical Faculty of the Ruhr-University Bochum. The collected data will be disseminated locally and internationally through publications in relevant peer-reviewed journals and will be presented at scientific and clinical conferences. Participants data will only be published in an anonymised form.

TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER

DRKS00024009.

Reduction of drive for thinness and body dissatisfaction in people with self-reported dysregulated eating behaviors after intermittent theta burst stimulation (iTBS) of the left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex

Aim

This study aimed to explore the effect of intermittent theta burst stimulation (iTBS) of the right and left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC) in people with self-reported dysregulated eating behaviors but without a diagnosis of eating disorders (EDs).

Methods

Participants were randomly divided into two equivalent groups according to the side (right or left) of the hemisphere to be stimulated and they were tested before and after a single iTBS session. Outcome measurements were scores on self-report questionnaires assessing psychological dimensions related to eating behaviors (EDI-3), anxiety (STAI-Y), and tonic electrodermal activity.

Results

The iTBS interfered with both psychological and neurophysiological measures. Significant variations of physiological arousal after iTBS of both the right and left DLPFC were witnessed by increased mean amplitude of non-specific skin conductance responses. With regard to the psychological measures, the iTBS on the left DLPFC significantly reduced the scores of the EDI-3 subscales drive for thinness and body dissatisfaction. Interestingly, these two scales are two of the three EDI-3 clinic scales (drive for thinness, body dissatisfaction, and bulimia) used as specific markers to assess the onset and/or maintenance of eating disorders.

Conclusion

Our results show that the left DLPFC iTBS has an impact on the psychological dimensions that are risk factors for the onset of eating disorders, suggesting that an altered hemispheric asymmetry similar to that encountered in clinical populations is present in normal subjects even in the absence of clinical symptoms.

Effects of prefrontal theta burst stimulation on neuronal activity and subsequent eating behavior: an interleaved rTMS and fNIRS study

The dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (dlPFC) and dorsomedial prefrontal cortex (dmPFC) are both important nodes for self-control and decision-making but through separable processes (cognitive control vs evaluative processing). This study aimed to examine the effects of excitatory brain stimulation [intermittent theta burst stimulation (iTBS)] targeting the dlPFC and dmPFC on eating behavior. iTBS was hypothesized to decrease consumption of appetitive snack foods, via enhanced interference control for dlPFC stimulation and reduced delay discounting (DD) for dmPFC stimulation. Using a single-blinded, between-subjects design, participants (N = 43) were randomly assigned to one of three conditions: (i) iTBS targeting the left dlPFC, (ii) iTBS targeting bilateral dmPFC or (iii) sham. Participants then completed two cognitive tasks (DD and Flanker), followed by a bogus taste test. Functional near-infrared spectroscopy imaging revealed that increases in the medial prefrontal cortex activity were evident in the dmPFC stimulation group during the DD task; likewise, a neural efficiency effect was observed in the dlPFC stimulation group during the Flanker. Gender significantly moderated during the taste test, with females in the dmPFC showing paradoxical increases in food consumption compared to sham. Findings suggest that amplification of evaluative processing may facilitate eating indulgence when preponderant social cues are permissive and food is appetitive.

Neural correlates associated with processing food stimuli in anorexia nervosa and bulimia nervosa: an activation likelihood estimation meta-analysis of fMRI studies

PURPOSE

Various neurobiological models have utilised symptom categories to explore the underlying neural correlates in both anorexia nervosa (AN) and bulimia nervosa (BN). The aim of this research was to investigate the brain activity patterns associated with viewing food stimuli in anorexia nervosa and bulimia nervosa.

METHODS

Electronic databases including PsycInfo and PubMed were systematically searched from data base inception until 1st of December 2020, identifying 14 suitable functional magnetic resonance imaging studies (fMRI), involving 470 participants. ALE meta-analysis was used to statistically analyse the overlap of activation foci from different fMRI studies in response to visual food stimuli.

RESULTS

Comparing patients with AN with healthy control (HC), we detected hypoactivation in brain areas related to reward processing (i.e., amygdala and lentiform nucleus), and interoceptive processing (i.e., insula). In addition, patients with AN showed hyperactivations in cognitive control areas (i.e., prefrontal and anterior cingulate cortex). In contrast, patients with BN exhibited hyperactivations in brain areas related to reward processing (i.e., lentiform nucleus), and interoceptive processing (i.e., insula). Furthermore, patients with BN showed hypoactivations in brain regions associated with cognitive control (i.e., prefrontal and anterior cingulate cortex).

CONCLUSIONS

Our study shows differing neural endotypes of the two types of eating disorders, that underpin their behavioural phenotypes. While exploratory in nature, these findings might be relevant for guiding new emerging therapies, including invasive and non-invasive neuromodulation techniques in treatment of eating disorders.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Level I, meta-analysis.

Neuromodulation of OCD: A review of invasive and non-invasive methods

Early research into neural correlates of obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD) has focused on individual components, several network-based models have emerged from more recent data on dysfunction within brain networks, including the the lateral orbitofrontal cortex (lOFC)-ventromedial caudate, limbic, salience, and default mode networks. Moreover, the interplay between multiple brain networks has been increasingly recognized. As the understanding of the neural circuitry underlying the pathophysiology of OCD continues to evolve, so will too our ability to specifically target these networks using invasive and noninvasive methods. This review discusses the rationale for and theory behind neuromodulation in the treatment of OCD.

Elevated Neurobehavioral Responses to Negative Social Interactions in Women With Bulimia Nervosa

BACKGROUND

Bulimia nervosa (BN) is a complex psychiatric illness that includes binge-purge behaviors and a belief that one's value as a person depends on body shape and weight. Social pressure strongly influences the development and maintenance of BN, but how this manifests neurobiologically within an individual remains unknown. We used a computational psychiatry approach to evaluate neural mechanisms underlying social interactions in BN.

METHODS

Behavioral and functional magnetic resonance imaging data were collected from 24 women with BN and 26 healthy comparison women using an iterated social exchange game. Data were sorted round by round based on whether the mathematically computed social signals indicated an improving (positive reciprocity) or deteriorating (negative reciprocity) relationship for each participant.

RESULTS

Social interactions with negative reciprocity resulted in more negative behavioral responses and stronger neural activations in both cortical and subcortical regions in women with BN than healthy comparison women. No behavioral or neural differences were observed for interactions demonstrating positive reciprocity, suggesting a very specific form of psychopathology in BN: amplification of negative self-relevant social interactions. Cortical activations (e.g., temporoparietal junction and dorsolateral prefrontal cortex) did not covary with mood symptoms, while subcortical activations (e.g., amygdala and dorsal striatum) were associated with acute psychopathology.

CONCLUSIONS

These data provide a first step toward a mechanistic neuropsychological model of aberrant social processing in BN, demonstrating how a computational psychiatric approach can elucidate neural mechanisms for complex psychiatric illnesses. Future treatments for BN may include targeting neural regions that support these negative biases in social perceptions.

Higher-Order Inputs Involved in Appetite Control

The understanding of the neural control of appetite sheds light on the pathogenesis of eating disorders such as anorexia nervosa and obesity. Both diseases are a result of maladaptive eating behaviors (overeating or undereating) and are associated with life-threatening health problems. The fine regulation of appetite involves genetic, physiological, and environmental factors, which are detected and integrated in the brain by specific neuronal populations. For centuries, the hypothalamus has been the center of attention in the scientific community as a key regulator of appetite. The hypothalamus receives and sends axonal projections to several other brain regions that are important for the integration of sensory and emotional information. These connections ensure that appropriate behavioral decisions are made depending on the individual's emotional state and environment. Thus, the mechanisms by which higher-order brain regions integrate exteroceptive information to coordinate feeding is of great importance. In this review, we will focus on the functional and anatomical projections connecting the hypothalamus to the limbic system and higher-order brain centers in the cortex. We will also address the mechanisms by which specific neuronal populations located in higher-order centers regulate appetite and how maladaptive eating behaviors might arise from altered connections among cortical and subcortical areas with the hypothalamus.

Transcranial direct current stimulation to modulate brain reactivity to food cues in overweight and obese adults: study protocol for a randomized controlled trial with fMRI (NeuroStim-Obesity)

Background

With increasing obese populations worldwide, developing interventions to modulate food-related brain processes and functions is particularly important. Evidence suggests that transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) over the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC) may modulate the reward–control balance towards facilitation of cognitive control and possible suppression of reward-related mechanisms that drive food cue-induced craving. This protocol describes a clinical trial that investigates the neurocognitive mechanisms of action for tDCS to modulate food cue-reactivity and cravings in people with obesity.

Method

The NeuroStim-Obesity trial is a prospective, randomized, sham-controlled, double-blind single-session tDCS trial targeting food craving in those with obesity or overweighed. Once randomized, 64 adults with obesity or overweighed complete one session in which they receive either active or sham tDCS over the DLPFC (anode F4 and cathode F3, 2 mA intensity for 20 min). The primary outcome is change in neural response to the food cue-reactivity task in the ventral striatum after a single-session bilateral tDCS compared to sham stimulation. Secondary outcomes include changes in food craving evaluated by the Food Craving Questionnaire-State (FCQ-S). We will also explore the predictive role of brain structure and functional networks assessed by structural and functional magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) during both task performance and the resting-state that are acquired pre- and post-intervention to predict response to tDCS.

Discussion

The results will provide novel insight into neuroscience for the efficacy of tDCS and will advance the field towards precision medicine for obesity. Exploratory results will examine the potential predictive biomarkers for tDCS response and eventually provide personalized intervention for the treatment of obesity.

Trial registration

Iranian Registry of Clinical Trials (IRCT) IRCT20121020011172N4. Retrospectively registered on 4 June 2020

Brain functional changes in individuals with bulimia nervosa: a protocol for systematic review and meta-analysis

INTRODUCTION

Bulimia nervosa (BN) is a disorder with high health and socioeconomic burdens that typically arises in late adolescence and early adulthood. Previous neuroimaging studies have found functional brain changes in patients with BN. This study aims to review the latest neurobiological evidence from studies of individuals with BN, examine the consistency of these findings and evaluate the food addiction hypothesis of the disease.

METHODS AND ANALYSIS

A systematic search will be performed using the Cochrane Library, PubMed, Embase and Web of Science databases, covering the period from database inception to 30 November 2021. Two researchers will be responsible for study selection, quality assessment and data extraction. The anisotropic effect size version of the signed differential mapping method will be used to conduct a coordinate-based meta-analysis. Publication bias will be examined with the Egger test. The quality of studies will be evaluated using the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale.

ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION

No ethics approval is required for this is a systematic review protocol and does not require the collection of primary data. Findings will be disseminated through peer-reviewed journal or related conferences.

PROSPERO REGISTRATION NUMBER

CRD42022307233.

Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (rTMS) as a Promising Treatment for Craving in Stimulant Drugs and Behavioral Addiction: A Meta-Analysis

Addiction is a mental disorder with limited available treatment options. The therapeutic potential of repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) on it, by targeting craving in particular, has been explored with heterogenous results. This meta-analysis uses updated evidence to assess overall rTMS efficacy on craving, differential effects between addiction types clustered into three groups (depressant (alcohol, cannabis, opiate), stimulant (nicotine, cocaine, methamphetamine), and behavioral addiction (gambling, eating disorder)), and stimulation settings. Studies on substance use, gambling, and eating disorders are included, with unrestricted stimulation settings, by searching the PubMed, Embase, PsycINFO, and Cochrane databases up to 30 April 2020. A total of 34 eligible studies (42 units of analysis) were identified. Because of highly significant heterogeneity in primary results, a sensitivity analysis was performed on a remaining sample of 26 studies (30 units of analysis). Analyses performed using random effects model revealed a small effect size favoring active rTMS over shamTMS stimulation in the reduction in craving. We found a significant difference between addiction types, with a persistent small effect only for stimulant and behavioral groups. In these groups we found no difference between the different combinations of target and frequency of stimulation, but a significant correlation between number of sessions and craving reduction. In conclusion, efficacy of rTMS on craving in stimulant and behavioral addiction was highlighted, but recommendations on optimal stimulation settings and its clinical application await further research.

Enhancing Cognitive Restructuring with Concurrent Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation: A Transdiagnostic Randomized Controlled Trial

INTRODUCTION

Emotional dysregulation constitutes a serious public health problem in need of novel transdiagnostic treatments.

OBJECTIVE

To this aim, we developed and tested a one-time intervention that integrates behavioral skills training with concurrent repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS).

METHODS

Forty-six adults who met criteria for at least one DSM-5 disorder and self-reported low use of cognitive restructuring (CR) were enrolled in a randomized, double-blind, sham-controlled trial that used a between-subjects design. Participants were taught CR and underwent active rTMS applied at 10 Hz over the right (n = 17) or left (n = 14) dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (dlPFC) or sham rTMS (n = 15) while practicing reframing and emotional distancing in response to autobiographical stressors.

RESULTS

Those who received active left or active right as opposed to sham rTMS exhibited enhanced regulation (ds = 0.21-0.62) as measured by psychophysiological indices during the intervention (higher high-frequency heart rate variability, lower regulation duration). Those who received active rTMS over the left dlPFC also self-reported reduced distress throughout the intervention (d = 0.30), higher likelihood to use CR, and lower daily distress during the week following the intervention. The procedures were acceptable and feasible with few side effects.

CONCLUSIONS

These findings show that engaging frontal circuits simultaneously with cognitive skills training and rTMS may be clinically feasible, well-tolerated and may show promise for the treatment of transdiagnostic emotional dysregulation. Larger follow-up studies are needed to confirm the efficacy of this novel therapeutic approach.

Development of Disordered Eating Behaviors and Comorbid Depressive Symptoms in Adolescence: Neural and Psychopathological Predictors

BACKGROUND

Eating disorders are common in adolescence and are devastating and strongly comorbid with other psychiatric disorders. Yet little is known about their etiology, knowing which would aid in developing effective preventive measures.

METHODS

Longitudinal assessments of disordered eating behaviors (DEBs)-binge-eating, purging, and dieting-and comorbid psychopathology were measured in 1386 adolescents from the IMAGEN study. Development of DEBs and associated mental health problems was investigated by comparing participants who reported symptoms at ages 16 or 19 years, but not at age 14 years, with asymptomatic control participants. Voxel-based morphometry and psychopathological differences at age 14 were investigated to identify risk factors for the development of DEBs and associated mental health problems.

RESULTS

DEBs and depressive symptoms developed together. Emotional and behavioral problems, including symptoms of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder and conduct disorder, predated their development. Alterations in frontostriatal brain areas also predated the development of DEBs and depressive symptoms. Specifically, development of binge-eating was predicted by higher gray matter volumes in the right putamen/globus pallidus at age 14. Conversely, development of purging and depressive symptoms was predicted by lower volumes in the medial orbitofrontal, dorsomedial, and dorsolateral prefrontal cortices. Lower gray matter volumes in the orbitofrontal and anterior cingulate cortices mediated the relationship between attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder and conduct disorder symptoms and future purging and depressive symptoms.

CONCLUSIONS

These findings suggest that alterations in frontal brain circuits are part of the shared etiology among eating disorders, attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, conduct disorder, and depression and highlight the importance of a transdiagnostic approach to treating these conditions.

Can we change binge eating behaviour by interventions addressing food-related impulsivity? A systematic review

BACKGROUND

An extensive amount of research has underlined the potential role of impulsivity in the development and maintenance of binge eating behaviour. Food-related impulsivity has particularly received attention given its close relationship with overeating and binge eating episodes. Besides the available evidence, our understanding regarding the effectiveness of treatment modalities for binge eating targeting impulsivity and related constructs (e.g., food craving, inhibitory control, and reward sensitivity) is limited. Thus, this systematic review aimed to investigate whether binge eating behaviour is changeable by interventions that are impulsivity-focused and food-related and whether one of these interventions is superior to the others.

METHOD

A search on PubMed and PsycINFO was performed for relevant articles published up to September 2020. Studies delivering food-related impulsivity treatment to individuals suffering from binge eating episodes and including a control condition without this treatment were investigated. Following the search, 15 studies meeting the eligibility criteria were analysed.

RESULTS

Analyses revealed that available impulsivity-focused approaches can be categorised as psychotherapy, pharmacotherapy, computer-assisted cognitive training, and direct neuromodulation interventions. Regarding their effectiveness, it appeared that all of these approaches might be promising to change food-related impulsivity in individuals with binge eating episodes, particularly to decrease binge eating symptoms. However, a superior intervention approach in this early state of evidence could not be determined, although food-related cue exposure, transcranial direct current stimulation, and the combination of several interventions seem fruitful.

CONCLUSION

Efforts to treat binge eating behaviour with interventions focusing on food-related impulsivity appear to be promising, particularly concerning binge eating frequency, and also for food craving and inhibitory control. Given limited research and varying methods, it was not possible to conclude whether one impulsivity-focused intervention can be considered superior to others.

Case Report: Repeated Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation Improves Comorbid Binge Eating Disorder in Two Female Patients With Treatment-Resistant Bipolar Depression

Introduction: Binge eating disorder (BED) is the most common eating disorder, affecting a large population worldwide. It is characterized by recurrent episodes of binge eating, with no compensatory behaviors. BED is often associated with psychiatric comorbidities, and still represents a challenge in terms of treatment strategies. In the last years, neuromodulation has represented a promising approach in the treatment of BED. We report the cases of two women, affected by Bipolar Disorder Type II (BD-II) and comorbid BED, whose BED symptoms improved after a course of accelerated intermittent Theta Burst Stimulation (iTBS). Methods: We carried out a clinical study, involving neurostimulation on six patients with a treatment-resistant depressive episode. The trial consisted of a 3-week accelerated iTBS treatment, delivered to the left dorsolateral pre-frontal cortex. Clinical evaluation scales (Hamilton Rating Scale for Depression, Montgomery-Åsberg Depression Rating Scale, and Young Mania Rating Scale) were administered at baseline, after 2 weeks, and at the end of the stimulation cycle. Pharmacotherapy was maintained unchanged during iTBS treatment. Patients gave their informed consent both for the protocol and for the publication. Results: The treatment was well-tolerated. Depressive symptoms only slightly improved; however, patients' binge episodes remitted completely, which was a serendipitous finding. BED symptomatology complete remission lasted up to 12 weeks follow-up. Discussion: This is the first study regarding iTBS use in BED in comorbidity with BD-II. Further research is still needed to assess the efficacy of this technique in BED treatment.

Brain Stimulation in Eating Disorders: State of the Art and Future Perspectives

The management of eating disorders (EDs) is still difficult and few treatments are effective. Recently, several studies have described the important contribution of non-invasive brain stimulation (repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation, transcranial direct current stimulation, and electroconvulsive therapy) and invasive brain stimulation (deep brain stimulation and vagal nerve stimulation) for ED management. This review summarizes the available evidence supporting the use of brain stimulation in ED. All published studies on brain stimulation in ED as well as ongoing trials registered at clinicaltrials.gov were examined. Articles on neuromodulation research and perspective articles were also included. This analysis indicates that brain stimulation in EDs is still in its infancy. Literature data consist mainly of case reports, cases series, open studies, and only a few randomized controlled trials. Consequently, the evidence supporting the use of brain stimulation in EDs remains weak. Finally, this review discusses future directions in this research domain (e.g., sites of modulation, how to enhance neuromodulation efficacy, personalized protocols).

Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation Meets Virtual Reality: The Potential of Integrating Brain Stimulation With a Simulative Technology for Food Addiction

The aim of this perspective is to propose and discuss the integration of transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) over the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex with virtual reality (VR) food exposure for therapeutic interventions for food addiction. "Food addiction" is a dysfunctional eating pattern which is typically observed in eating disorders (ED) such as bulimia nervosa and binge eating disorder. Food addiction has been compared to substance use disorder due to the necessity of consuming a substance (food) and the presence of a dependence behavior. In recent years, VR has been applied in the treatment of ED because it triggers psychological and physiological responses through food exposure in place of real stimuli. Virtual reality-Cue exposure therapy has been proven as a valid technique for regulating anxiety and food craving in ED. More, TMS has been proven to modulate circuits and networks implicated in neuropsychiatric disorders and is effective in treating addiction such as nicotine craving and consumption and cocaine use disorder. The combination of a simulative technology and a neurostimulation would presumably provide better improvement compared to a single intervention because it implies the presence of both cognitive and neuropsychological techniques. The possible advantage of this approach will be discussed in the perspective.

Effects of Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation (tDCS) and Approach Bias Modification (ABM) training on food cravings in people taking antipsychotic medication

BACKGROUND

Antipsychotic drug-induced weight gain puts individuals with schizophrenia at increased cardiometabolic risk. As a potential intervention for this problem, we describe the theoretical background and a protocol for a feasibility randomised controlled trial (RCT) of approach bias modification (ABM) training combined with real versus sham (placebo) transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS). The primary aim of this trial is to obtain information that will guide decision making and protocol development in relation to a future large-scale RCT of ABM and tDCS in this group of participants. Second, the study will assess the preliminary efficacy of ABM + tDCS in reducing food cravings in people who take antipsychotic medication.

METHODS

Thirty adults with a DSM-V diagnosis of schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder treated with anti-psychotic medication will be randomly allocated to receive five sessions that will combine ABM and real or sham tDCS, in a parallel group design. In this feasibility study, a broad range of outcome variables will be examined. Measures will include food craving, psychopathology (e.g. symptoms of schizophrenia and depression), neuropsychological processes (such as attentional bias and impulsiveness), and the tolerability and acceptability of tDCS. The feasibility of conducting a large-scale RCT of ABM + tDCS and appropriateness of tDCS as a treatment for antipsychotic drug-induced weight gain will be evaluated by assessment of recruitment and retention rates, acceptability of random allocation, blinding success (allocation concealment), completion of treatment sessions and research assessments (baseline, post-treatment and follow-up).

DISCUSSION

The effect sizes generated and other findings from this trial will inform a future large-scale RCT with respect to decisions on primary outcome measures and other aspects of protocol development. In addition, results from this study will provide a preliminary indication of the efficacy of ABM + tDCS treatment for antipsychotic drug-induced weight gain.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

ISRCTN Registry, ISRCTN13280178. Registered on 16 October 2018.

Twenty Years of the Food Cravings Questionnaires: a Comprehensive Review

Purpose of Review

The Food Cravings Questionnaires (FCQs; Cepeda-Benito, Gleaves, Williams, & Erath, 2000) are among the most widely used instruments for measuring food cravings. In addition to the Food Cravings Questionnaire–Trait (FCQ–T) and the Food Cravings Questionnaire–State (FCQ–S), several modified versions have been developed as well. For their 20th anniversary, this article provides a comprehensive description of the FCQs and reviews studies on their psychometric properties and correlates.

Recent Findings

The FCQs and their modified versions have excellent internal reliability. Expectedly, the FCQ–T (and its derivatives) has higher retest-reliability than the FCQ–S as the FCQ–S is sensitive to situational changes such as food deprivation and food intake. However, while the FCQ–T is largely unaffected by such momentary states, it is also sensitive to change during weight-loss treatments and other interventions. Factor structure of the FCQ–T and FCQ–S has only partially been replicated. Construct validity of the FCQs is supported by experimental and longitudinal studies that measured food craving and food consumption in the laboratory and with ecological momentary assessment.

Summary

Numerous studies support reliability and validity of the FCQs and their modified versions, yet findings about their factor structures are inconsistent. Thus, using total scores or the short versions of the FCQs may be preferable.

Brain Stimulation to Modulate Food Intake and Eating Behavior

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Appetitive behaviors are mediated through homeostatic and reward signaling of brain circuits. There has been increasing interest in the use of neuromodulation techniques aimed at targeting brain regions such as the lateral prefrontal and subcortical regions associated with dysregulation of eating behaviors.

RECENT FINDINGS

Invasive brain stimulation techniques have demonstrated promising results in treating severe and enduring anorexia nervosa and morbid obesity. In addition, non-invasive techniques have been shown to successfully reduce food craving, hunger ratings, and calorie intake as well as binge/purge symptoms in eating disorders. Brain stimulation offers promising results for treating symptoms associated with eating disorders and modifying appetitive behaviors including craving and caloric consumption. Future research should focus on identifying optimal frequency and duration of stimulation and employ longitudinal studies to assess long-term effectiveness on clinical outcomes such as eating disorder symptomatology, weight loss, and sustained improvements in eating behaviors over time.

Food Addiction: Implications for the Diagnosis and Treatment of Overeating

With the obesity epidemic being largely attributed to overeating, much research has been aimed at understanding the psychological causes of overeating and using this knowledge to develop targeted interventions. Here, we review this literature under a model of food addiction and present evidence according to the fifth edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual (DSM-5) criteria for substance use disorders. We review several innovative treatments related to a food addiction model ranging from cognitive intervention tasks to neuromodulation techniques. We conclude that there is evidence to suggest that, for some individuals, food can induce addictive-type behaviours similar to those seen with other addictive substances. However, with several DSM-5 criteria having limited application to overeating, the term 'food addiction' is likely to apply only in a minority of cases. Nevertheless, research investigating the underlying psychological causes of overeating within the context of food addiction has led to some novel and potentially effective interventions. Understanding the similarities and differences between the addictive characteristics of food and illicit substances should prove fruitful in further developing these interventions.

Weight loss induced by deep transcranial magnetic stimulation in obesity: A randomized, double-blind, sham-controlled study

AIM

To test the hypothesis that deep transcranial magnetic stimulation (dTMS) reduces food craving and causes weight loss via neuromodulation.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This pilot study was designed as a randomized, double-blind, sham-controlled study. A total of 33 obese people (nine men, 24 women, mean age 48.1 ± 10.6 years, body mass index [BMI] 36.9 ± 4.7 kg/m² ) were randomized and completed the study: 13 participants underwent a 5-week treatment with high-frequency (HF) dTMS (18 Hz; HF group), 10 were treated with low-frequency (LF) dTMS (1 Hz; LF group), and 10 were sham-treated (sham group). Food craving, and metabolic and neuro-endocrine variables were evaluated at baseline, after the 5-week treatment, and at follow-up visits (1 month, 6 months, 1 year after the end of treatment).

RESULTS

The mixed-model analysis for repeated measures showed a significant interaction of time and groups for body weight (P = 0.001) and BMI (P = 0.001), with a significant body weight (-7.83 ± 2.28 kg; P = 0.0009) and BMI (-2.83 ± 0.83, P = 0.0009) decrease in the HF versus the sham group. A decreasing trend in food craving in the HF versus the LF and sham groups (P = 0.073) was observed. A significant improvement of metabolic and physical activity variables was found (P < 0.05) in the HF group.

CONCLUSIONS

We demonstrated the safety and efficacy of dTMS, in addition to physical exercise and a hypocaloric diet, in reducing body weight for up to 1 year in obese people. We hypothesize that a possible mechanism of HF dTMS treatment is modulation of the dopaminergic pathway and stimulation of physical activity.

The effects of high-frequency repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation on resting-state functional connectivity in obese adults

AIMS

We conducted a 4-week randomized, sham-controlled, single-blind, parallel-group trial to examine the effect of repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) delivered to the left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC) on functional brain connectivity and body weight in adults with obesity.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Of the 45 volunteers with obesity, aged between 18 and 70 years (body mass index [BMI] ≥25 kg/m² according to the obesity criterion for an Asian population), 36 participants (54.1 ± 11.0 years, BMI 30.2 ± 3.5 kg/m² , 77.8% female) completed the 4 weeks of follow-up, undergoing two resting state fMRI scans (20 in the real stimulation group and 16 in the sham stimulation group). A total of eight sessions of high-frequency rTMS targeting the left DLPFC were provided over a period of 4 weeks (5-second trains with 25-second inter-train intervals, 10 Hz, 110% motor threshold; 2000 pulses over 20 minutes).

RESULTS

Participants in the real stimulation group showed significantly greater weight loss from baseline following the eight session of rTMS (-2.53 ± 2.41 kg vs 0.38 ± 1.13 kg, P < 0.01). For intrinsic brain connectivity comparisons, the between-ness centrality values within the right frontoparietal network tended to increase with rTMS, and a significant interaction effect was identified for time (pre vs post) × rTMS (real vs sham) in the right frontoparietal network (P = 0.031, FDR corrected).

CONCLUSIONS

We observed that rTMS selectively increased resting state functional connectivity within the right frontoparietal network. Our findings suggest that high-frequency rTMS to the left DLPFC might strengthen the frontoparietal network that orchestrates top-down inhibitory control to reduce food intake.

Prefrontal brain stimulation during food-related inhibition training: effects on food craving, food consumption and inhibitory control

Modulation of dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC) activity using non-invasive brain stimulation has been shown to reduce food craving as well as food consumption. Using a preregistered design, we examined whether bilateral transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) of the DLPFC could reduce food craving and consumption in healthy participants when administered alongside the cognitive target of inhibitory control training. Participants (N = 172) received either active or sham tDCS (2 mA; anode F4, cathode F3) while completing a food-related Go/No-Go task. State food craving, ad-lib food consumption and response inhibition were evaluated. Compared with sham stimulation, we found no evidence for an effect of active tDCS on any of these outcome measures in a predominantly female sample. Our findings raise doubts about the effectiveness of single-session tDCS on food craving and consumption. Consideration of individual differences, improvements in tDCS protocols and multi-session testing are discussed.

Repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation significantly influences the eating behavior in depressive patients

BACKGROUND

Depressive syndrome is one of the most common of psychiatric diseases and is ranked as the largest single contributor to global disability. Depression worsens the treatment outcomes of comorbid conditions and is a predictor of an increased mortality rate. Frequent comorbidities accompanying depressive syndrome are eating disorders (ED). The novel brain stimulation technique termed repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) has been developed as a clinical tool to treat depression. Simultaneously the effect of rTMS has been studied on ED.

PURPOSE

The aim of this study was to monitor the correlation between the improvement in depressive symptoms and changes in eating behavior after rTMS treatment, and potential possibility of the utilization of rTMS in the treatment of these frequent comorbid conditions.

METHODS

To map the change in eating behavior, this study follows the changes in answers 5 and 7 in the Zung Self-Rating Depression Scale. The patients were treated with high-frequency rTMS focused on the left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex.

RESULTS

We observed a significant change in both questions. At the same time, the change in both questions correlates with a variance in the overall depressive symptoms.

CONCLUSION

The rTMS treatment of depressive syndrome resulted in significant clinical improvements, including changes in eating behavior.

Anterior insula activity regulates the associated behaviors of high fat food binge intake and cue reactivity in male rats

Binge eating episodes are characterized by uncontrollable, excessive intake of food and are associated with binge eating disorder and some subtypes of obesity. One factor thought to contribute to binge episodes is a high level of reactivity to food-associated cues (i.e., cue reactivity). The insula is a neural node poised to regulate both binge eating and cue reactivity because of its prominent role in interpretation of internal and external cues. This work established a positive association between high fat food (HFF) binge intake and cue reactivity in male rats. Furthermore, we demonstrated that activation of the anterior insula suppressed both HFF binge intake and cue reactivity, without altering homeostatic intake of food. We further show that attenuation of HFF binge intake and cue reactivity is not due to decreased food-reward efficacy or deficits in motivation. Together, these data establish a key role for the anterior insula in the control of binge eating related-behaviors and support novel avenues for the treatment of binge eating.

Repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation in the treatment of eating disorders: A review of safety and efficacy

Eating disorders are a significant public health concern accounting for significant morbidity and mortality. Therapeutic approaches are available to treat eating disorders but less than half of the patients recover. Therapeutic alternatives are needed such as repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation. I reviewed studies that evaluated the safety and efficacy of this technique for the treatment of eating disorders. The electronic literature on repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation, theta burst and deep transcranial magnetic stimulation in the treatment of eating disorders was retrieved. The findings were quite heterogeneous in results with some studies showing relatively positive results with reduction of both craving and eating behaviors with active stimulation versus sham. Repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation was safe. Research in this field was limited by the small number of studies and sample sizes, diversity of stimulation parameters, questionable placebo conditions, the lack of a sham-controlled design and the use of subjective scales lacking in sensitivity. The evidence supporting rTMS for eating disorders is somewhat promising. Future studies on high frequency rTMS of the LDLPFC/DMPFC with increased statistical power, rigorous randomization, outcome measures and optimal parameters are needed to confirm the short- and long-term safety and efficacy of rTMS for the treatment of eating disorders.

Neuroimaging, neuromodulation, and population health: the neuroscience of chronic disease prevention

Preventable chronic diseases are the leading cause of death in the majority of countries throughout the world, and this trend will continue for the foreseeable future. The potential to offset the social, economic, and personal burdens associated with such conditions depends on our ability to influence people's thought processes, decisions, and behaviors, all of which can be understood with reference to the brain itself. Within the health neuroscience framework, the brain can be viewed as a predictor, mediator, moderator, or outcome in relation to health-related phenomena. This review explores examples of each of these, with specific reference to the primary prevention (i.e., prevention of initial onset) of chronic diseases. Within the topic of primary prevention, we touch on several cross-cutting themes (persuasive communications, delay discounting of rewards, and self-control), and place a special focus on obesity as a disorder influenced by both eating behavior and exercise habits.

Improving decision-making and cognitive impulse control in bulimia nervosa by rTMS: An ancillary randomized controlled study

OBJECTIVE

Impaired decision-making and inhibitory control may be involved in the pathophysiology of psychiatric disorders like bulimia nervosa (BN). Their improvement after neuromodulation may underpin clinical improvement. We assessed the effects of rTMS on these cognitive functions in a sample of women with BN.

METHODS

Thirty-nine participants (22 in a sham group and 17 in an rTMS group) were assessed before and after 10 high frequency rTMS sessions over the left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC).

RESULTS

The between-group analyses revealed no differences in the final neuropsychological performances. The within-group analyses showed that inhibitory control improved in both the go/no-go task (p = .03) and the BIS cognitive impulsivity subscale (p = .01) in the rTMS group only. Switches toward good choices on the Iowa gambling task significantly improved in the rTMS group only (p = .002), and understanding of the task contingencies increased between the two assessments, also in the rTMS group only (p = .03).

DISCUSSION

This preliminary evidence suggests that modulation of left DLPFC might improve two putative cognitive biomarkers of BN.

Randomised controlled feasibility trial of real versus sham repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation treatment in adults with severe and enduring anorexia nervosa: the TIARA study

OBJECTIVE

Treatment options for severe, enduring anorexia nervosa (SE-AN) are limited. Non-invasive neuromodulation is a promising emerging intervention. Our study is a feasibility randomised controlled trial of repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) in individuals with SE-AN, which aims to inform the design of a future large-scale trial.

DESIGN

Double-blind, parallel group, two-arm, sham-controlled trial.

SETTING

Specialist eating disorders centre.

PARTICIPANTS

Community-dwelling people with anorexia nervosa, an illness duration of ≥3 years and at least one previous completed treatment.

INTERVENTIONS

Participants received 20 sessions (administered over 4 weeks) of MRI-guided real or sham high-frequency rTMS to the left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex in addition to treatment-as-usual.

OUTCOMES

Primary outcomes were recruitment, attendance and retention rates. Secondary outcomes included body mass index (BMI), eating disorder symptoms, mood, quality of life and rTMS safety and tolerability. Assessments were conducted at baseline, post-treatment and follow-up (ie, at 0 month, 1 month and 4 months post-randomisation).

RESULTS

Thirty-four participants (17 per group) were randomly allocated to real or sham rTMS. One participant per group was withdrawn prior to the intervention due to safety concerns. Two participants (both receiving sham) did not complete the treatment. rTMS was safe and well tolerated. Between-group effect sizes of change scores (baseline to follow-up) were small for BMI (d=0.2, 95% CI -0.49 to 0.90) and eating disorder symptoms (d=0.1, 95% CI -0.60 to 0.79), medium for quality of life and moderate to large (d=0.61 to 1.0) for mood outcomes, all favouring rTMS over sham.

CONCLUSIONS

The treatment protocol is feasible and acceptable to participants. Outcomes provide preliminary evidence for the therapeutic potential of rTMS in SE-AN. Largest effects were observed on variables assessing mood. This study supports the need for a larger confirmatory trial to evaluate the effectiveness of multi-session rTMS in SE-AN. Future studies should include a longer follow-up period and an assessment of cost-effectiveness.

TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER

ISRCTN14329415; Pre-results.

Concept and evaluation of food craving: unidimensional scales based on the Trait and the State Food Craving Questionnaire

Abstract: “Craving” is a motivational state that promotes an intense desire related to consummatory behaviors. Despite growing interest in the concept of food craving, there is a lack of available instruments to assess it in Brazilian Portuguese. The objectives were to translate and adapt the Trait and the State Food Craving Questionnaire (FCQ-T and FCQ-S) to Brazilian Portuguese and to evaluate the psychometric properties of these versions.The FCQ-T and FCQ-S were translated and adapted to Brazilian Portuguese and administered to students at the Federal University of São Paulo. Both questionnaires in their original models were examined considering different estimators (frequentist and bayesian). The goodness of fit underlying the items from both scales was assessed through the following fit indices: χ2, WRMR residual, comparative fit index, Tucker-Lewis index and RMSEA. Data from 314 participants were included in the analyses. Poor fit indices were obtained for both of the original questionnaires regardless of the estimator used and original structural model. Thus, three eating disorder experts reviewed the content of the instruments and selected the items which were considered to assess the core aspects of the craving construct. The new and reduced models (questionnaires) generated good fit indices. Our abbreviated versions of FCQ-S and FCQ-T considerably diverge from the conceptual framework of the original questionnaires. Based on the results of this study, we propose a possible alternative, i.e., to assess craving for food as a unidimensional construct.

Changing Brain Networks Through Non-invasive Neuromodulation

Background/Objective: Non-invasive neuromodulation techniques, such as repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (rTMS) and transcranial Direct Current Stimulation (tDCS), have increasingly been investigated for their potential as treatments for neurological and psychiatric disorders. Despite widespread dissemination of these techniques, the underlying therapeutic mechanisms and the ideal stimulation site for a given disorder remain unknown. Increasing evidence support the possibility of non-invasive neuromodulation affecting a brain network rather than just the local stimulation target. In this article, we present evidence in a clinical setting to support the idea that non-invasive neuromodulation changes brain networks.

Method: This article addresses the idea that non-invasive neuromodulation modulates brain networks, rather than just the local stimulation target, using neuromodulation studies in tinnitus and major depression as examples. We present studies that support this hypothesis from different perspectives.

Main Results/Conclusion: Studies stimulating the same brain region, such as the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC), have shown to be effective for several disorders and studies using different stimulation sites for the same disorder have shown similar results. These findings, as well as results from studies investigating brain network connectivity on both macro and micro levels, suggest that non-invasive neuromodulation affects a brain network rather than just the local stimulation site targeted. We propose that non-invasive neuromodulation should be approached from a network perspective and emphasize the therapeutic potential of this approach through the modulation of targeted brain networks.

Effects of left dlPFC modulation on social cognitive processes following food sampling

BACKGROUND

The dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (dlPFC) plays a central role in the inhibition of eating, but also the modulation of conscious thought processes that might precede, accompany or follow initial food tasting. The latter might be particularly important to the extent that post-tasting cognitions may drive prolonged eating beyond the satiety point. However, we know very little about the effect of the dlPFC on conation following initial food sampling. This investigation compared the effects of dlPFC attenuation using repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) on social cognition following (Study 1) and prior to (Study 2) a food consumption opportunity.

METHODS

In Study 1, participants (N = 21; M_age = 21 years) were randomized to active or sham continuous theta-burst stimulation (cTBS; an inhibitory variant of rTMS) targeting the left dlPFC followed by an interference task. Participants subsequently completed measures of attitudes, norms and perceived control following a mock taste test. In Study 2, a second sample of right handed participants (N = 37; M_age = 21 years) were assigned to active or sham cTBS, followed by an interference task and two measures of attitudes (implicit and explicit), both assessed prior to the same taste test paradigm.

RESULTS

In Study 1, findings revealed a reliable effect of cTBS on post-tasting attitudes (t(1,19) = 3.055, p = .007; d = 1.34), such that attitudes towards calorie dense snack foods were significantly more positive following active stimulation than following sham stimulation. Similar effects were found for social norms (t(1,19) = 3.024, p = .007, d = 1.31) and perceived control (t(1,20) = 19.247, p < .001, d = 0.50). In Study 2, no effects of cTBS were observed on pre-consumption attitudes, despite reliable effects on interference scores and subsequent consumption.

CONCLUSIONS

The left dlPFC may selectively modulate facilitative social cognition following initial food sampling (but not pre-consumption).

Neuromodulation for the treatment of eating disorders and obesity

Eating disorders and obesity adversely affect individuals both medically and psychologically, leading to reduced life expectancy and poor quality of life. While there exist a number of treatments for anorexia, morbid obesity and bulimia, many patients do not respond favorably to current behavioral, medical or bariatric surgical management. Neuromodulation has been postulated as a potential treatment for eating disorders and obesity. In particular, deep brain stimulation and transcranial non-invasive brain stimulation have been studied for these indications across a variety of brain targets. Here, we review the neurobiology behind eating and eating disorders as well as the current status of preclinical and clinical neuromodulation trials for eating disorders and obesity.

Clinical neuromodulation in psychiatry: the state of the art or an art in a state?

Clinical neuromodulation began in psychiatry with electroconvulsive therapy (ECT), but in recent years several new techniques have been developed: repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS), transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS), vagal nerve stimulation (VNS), trigeminal nerve stimulation (TNS) and deep brain stimulation (DBS). Each works in a different way, although the principle remains to effect therapeutic change through physically modifying brain activity. Their use in different clinical groups varies between techniques, as does their underlying evidence base. Most support currently exists for rTMS, with a more modest, but growing database for tDCS. Understandably, but problematically, most research in the other techniques has, to date, been in unmasked open trials. This article describes the mechanism of action and current evidence base for each technique, and notes the challenges facing future work in this potentially important field and new clinical avenue.