rTMS: sleep pattern changes and secondary symptoms in cocaine addicted patients
Alongside the alterations in the level of dopamine, the neurotransmitter responsible for the pleasure sensation, the use of cocaine causes a change in sleep pattern, which becomes fragmented, of poor quality and is no longer restful. In addition, cocaine-addicted patients experience mood alterations, such as anxiety and depression. In this study, the research team analysed sleep and mood indicators of 87 CUD patients, before, during and after rTMS treatment. As a result of rTMS, a statistically significant percentage reported an improvement of their sleep and a reduction in anxiety and depression symptoms within the first five days of treatment. This improvement remained stable in the following 3 months of observation.
The results of our study were published in the international scientific journal BMC Psychiatry.
Partner: University of Padua