Increased EEG gamma power under exposure to drug-related cues: a translational index for cue-elicited craving in METH-dependent individuals

Abstract Background This study explored the feasibility of using EEG gamma-band (30–49 Hz) power as an index of cue-elicited craving in METH-dependent individuals. Methods Twenty-nine participants dependent on methamphetamine (METH) and 30 healthy participants were instructed to experience a METH-re...

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Bibliographic Details
Main Authors: Dong-xu Li, Xiang-yi Zhou, Qian-qian Lin, Yue Wu, Cheng Hu, Zhi-hua Shen, Yong-guang Wang
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: BMC 2023-05-01
Series:BMC Psychiatry
Subjects:
Online Access:https://doi.org/10.1186/s12888-023-04892-9
Description
Summary:Abstract Background This study explored the feasibility of using EEG gamma-band (30–49 Hz) power as an index of cue-elicited craving in METH-dependent individuals. Methods Twenty-nine participants dependent on methamphetamine (METH) and 30 healthy participants were instructed to experience a METH-related virtual reality (VR) social environment. Results Individuals with METH dependence showed significantly stronger self-reported craving and higher gamma power in a VR environment than healthy individuals. In the METH group, the VR environment elicited a significant increase in gamma power compared with the resting state. The METH group then received a VR counterconditioning procedure (VRCP), which was deemed useful in suppressing cue-induced reactivity. After VRCP, participants showed significantly lower self-reported craving scores and gamma power when exposed to drug-related cues than the first time. Conclusions These findings suggest that the EEG gamma-band power may be a marker of cue-induced reactivity in patients with METH dependence.
ISSN:1471-244X