Effects of single and multiple Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation sessions targeting the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex on binge-eating symptoms: a systematic review

Background: Binge eating disorder (BED) is the most prevalent eating disorder in the world and recent findings on neuromodulation suggest potential benefits of Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation (tDCS) on the symptoms of binge eating. Aim: to carry out a systematic review to summarize the effects of tDCS on the symptoms of binge eating. Methods: This systematic review follows the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) and was registered in PROSPERO (CRD42020140950). Searches were applied in PubMed (Medline), ScienceDirect (Elsevier), SciELO and LILACS. The included studies should have reported the effects of tDCS on the symptoms of binge eating. Results: 122 articles were found, of these, five were excluded due to duplication and 109 due to lack of framework. After reading the studies in full (n=08), seven studies remained eligible for analysis. A total sample of 195 individuals, aged between 18 and 55 years, with diagnosis or symptoms of binge eating was included. Interpretencion: For the tested protocols, tDCS over dorsolateral prefrontal cortex improved binge eating symptoms, as well as food craving, and can be an option within the treatment strategy.