Transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) as an additional treatment to cognitive behavior group therapy in adults with tobacco dependence - a double-blind, randomized, sham-controlled pilot trial.
Psychiatry ResMay 13, 2026 (epub)
Clinical ResearchPsychiatry
Stephan Goerigk, Gerrit Burkhardt, Frank Padberg et al.
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In 30 seconds
This double-blind, randomized, sham-controlled pilot trial evaluated the efficacy of transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) as an adjunct to cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) in adults with tobacco dependence. Conducted in Germany, the study found that at 6 months, 50% of participants receiving active tDCS achieved abstinence compared to 26% in the sham group, with an odds ratio of 1.66.
Key findings
- At 6 months, 50% of the active tDCS group were abstinent compared to 26% in the sham group.
- The odds ratio for abstinence in the active tDCS group was 1.66 (95% CI = 1.02 to 2.70).
- No serious adverse events were reported during the trial.
Why it matters
The study suggests that tDCS may enhance the effectiveness of CBT for smoking cessation, potentially offering a new adjunctive treatment option for tobacco dependence. Understanding its role could improve cessation strategies.