What question did this study set out to answer?

The study aims to evaluate the effects of sequential dual-target tDCS on smoking behavior and related mechanisms in individuals with tobacco use disorder.

June 20, 2026

Sequential dual-target tDCS for tobacco use disorder: A longitudinal pilot case series targeting craving and inhibitory control

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The study aims to evaluate the effects of sequential dual-target tDCS on smoking behavior and related mechanisms in individuals with tobacco use disorder.
Case series involving three adults with tobacco use disorder
Two-week sequential tDCS protocol targeting the left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex and pre-supplementary motor area
Assessments conducted at baseline, post-intervention, and at 1- and 6-month follow-up for clinical, biological, and cognitive evaluation.
All participants showed reductions in cigarette consumption during the six-month follow-up period.
Two participants achieved abstinence, while one maintained a reduction in consumption.
Improvements in craving, withdrawal symptoms, and inhibitory control were noted alongside declines in exposure markers.

Resumen

BACKGROUND: Transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) is increasingly explored as an adjunctive intervention for Tobacco Use Disorder (TUD). Studies typically employ single-site stimulation protocols, and reported effects on craving and relapse have varied. OBJECTIVE: To examine whether sequential dual-target tDCS could influence smoking behavior and relapse-relevant mechanisms in TUD. METHODS: In this case series, three adults with TUD underwent a two-week sequential tDCS protocol targeting the left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex and pre-supplementary motor area. Assessments were conducted at baseline, post-intervention, and at 1- and 6-month follow-up characterize clinical, biological, and cognitive trajectories over time. RESULTS: All cases showed reductions in cigarette consumption across the six-month follow-up, accompanied by decreases in biochemical exposure markers. Trajectories were heterogeneous across participants. Two individuals achieved abstinence at follow-up, while one maintained sustained reduction. Craving and withdrawal symptoms declined, and inhibitory control improved alongside reductions in exposure markers. The nicotine metabolite ratio remained stable across assessments, consistent with its role as an index of metabolic phenotype. CONCLUSIONS: Sequential dual-target tDCS was associated with longitudinal improvements in smoking behavior and relapse-related clinical and cognitive markers. These findings support further investigation of dual-target neuromodulation as a potential adjunctive strategy for smoking cessation.

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