Potential Targets for Scalp Acupuncture and Brain Stimulation in Mental Disorders: Evidence From Large-Scale Meta-Analyses

Background: Scalp acupuncture and brain stimulation techniques, such as transcranial electrical stimulation, have shown promise in the management of mental disorders. However, the identification of precise stimulation targets remains a critical bottleneck. Pinpointing brain regions associated with mental disorders is essential for optimizing the efficacy of these scalp-based therapies. Methods: Using Neurosynth Compose, we performed large-scale coordinate-based meta-analyses to identify potential targets for nine mental disorders: schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, major depressive disorder, anxiety disorders, obsessive-compulsive disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder, insomnia, autism spectrum disorder, and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. The identified brain clusters were projected onto the scalp surface and spatially integrated with standard acupoints, and the electroencephalography (EEG) 10-20 system to define accessible intervention sites. Results: The analyses successfully delineated scalp targets for each of the nine investigated disorders. These findings largely corroborated existing clinical protocols while also suggesting novel regions as potential therapeutic targets. The results revealed both disorder-specific targets and cortical areas implicated across multiple psychiatric conditions. Notably, the dorsolateral and ventrolateral prefrontal cortices, middle temporal gyrus, and inferior parietal lobule emerged as critical overlapping targets, offering potential avenues for scalp acupuncture and brain stimulation in comorbid mental disorders. Conclusions: We propose refined, evidence-based protocols for scalp acupuncture and brain stimulation. These findings may advance precision-targeted neuromodulation strategies and support the development of novel therapeutic approaches in psychiatric care.