Neuromodulation treatments of problematic use of the Internet

With increasing understanding of brain-circuit abnormalities in addictive behaviors, it is important to identify potentially causal relationships between brain circuits and addictions and to conduct neural-based interventions. Neuromodulation, including noninvasive and invasive stimulation, may be used to modify the functioning of brain circuits. For studies of problematic use of the Internet, the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex has been stimulated by transcranial direct current stimulation and repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation. The stimulation may enhance executive control and abilities or tendencies to regulate negative emotions, reduce Internet craving and decrease addiction severity. We propose that more rigorous experiments with longer-term follow-ups are needed to verify the effectiveness of and mechanisms underlying these approaches. Stimuli contexts and targeted brain regions may be investigated in randomized controlled trials to advance treatments for problematic use of the Internet.