Effects of transcranial stimulation in developmental neurocognitive disorders: A critical appraisal

Flavia H. Santos, Jochen A. Mosbacher*, Deny Menghini, Katya Rubia, Roland H. Grabner, Roi Cohen Kadosh

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingChapterpeer-review

2 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

Non-invasive brain stimulation (NIBS) has been highlighted as a powerful tool to promote neuroplasticity, and an attractive approach to support cognitive remediation. Here we provide a systematic review of 26 papers using NIBS to ameliorate cognitive dysfunctions in three prevalent neurodevelopmental disorders: Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), Developmental Dyslexia and Developmental Dyscalculia. An overview of the state of research shows a predominance of studies using repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) and transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) techniques, and an unequal distribution among clinical conditions. Regarding the utility of NIBS, the results are promising but also ambiguous. Twenty-three papers reported beneficial effects, but many of these effects were found only once or were only partially replicated and some studies even reported detrimental effects. Furthermore, most studies differed in at least one core aspect, the NIBS applied, the questionnaires and cognitive tests conducted, or the age group investigated, and sample sizes were mostly small. Hence, further studies are needed to rigorously examine the potential of NIBS in the remediation of cognitive functions. Finally, we discuss potential caveats and future directions. We reason that if adequately addressing these challenges NIBS can be feasible, with potential benefits in treating neurodevelopmental disorders.

Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationNon-invasive Brain Stimulation (NIBS) in Neurodevelopmental Disorders
EditorsRoi Cohen Kadosh, Tino Zaehle, Kerstin Krauel
PublisherElsevier B.V.
Pages1-40
Number of pages40
ISBN (Print)9780128223444
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 21 Jun 2021

Publication series

NameProgress in Brain Research
Volume264
ISSN (Print)0079-6123
ISSN (Electronic)1875-7855

Keywords

  • Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder
  • Developmental dyscalculia
  • Developmental dyslexia
  • Developmental neurocognitive disorders
  • Non-invasive brain stimulation

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