Non-Invasive Brain Stimulation in the Treatment of Eating Disorders - A Narrative Review

Abstract

ObjectiveTreatment success in many patients with eating disorders (ED) is not substantial and sustainable. Therefore, there is an urgent need for the advancement of existing treatment approaches and novel innovative interventions. Non-invasive brain stimulation (NIBS) is such an innovative approach which has recently been introduced to the treatment of ED patients. This article is a narrative review concerning the most frequently used brain stimulation techniques in ED and the current evidence concerning the efficacy of treatment. MethodsWe conducted a literature search in the PubMed database concerning the topic NIBS in ED and identified 32 relevant articles. Only 9 of these articles described empirical studies in patients with ED. ResultsThe studies were conducted in patients with different ED diagnoses, regarding different treatment targets, used different stimulation techniques and showed differences in frequency, duration and intensity of the stimulation. Some, but not all of these studies suggest ameliorations of ED symptoms, e. g. reduction of food craving, restrictive eating and ED-related cognitions. DiscussionEvidence is scarce and heterogeneous, but overall, the evidence suggests that NIBS is a promising treatment approach in ED.