AUTHOR=Vorspan Florence , Domenech Philippe , Grabli David , Yelnik Jérôme , Delavest Marine , Dauré Charles , Bellivier Frank , Pelissolo Antoine , Belaid Hayat , Baunez Christelle , Karachi Carine , Mallet Luc 

TITLE=A single case report of STN-DBS for severe crack-cocaine dependence: double-blind ON vs. SHAM randomized controlled assessment

JOURNAL=Frontiers in Psychiatry

VOLUME=14

YEAR=2023

URL=https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/psychiatry/articles/10.3389/fpsyt.2023.1146492

DOI=10.3389/fpsyt.2023.1146492

ISSN=1664-0640

ABSTRACT=<p>Crack-cocaine dependence is a severe condition with a high mortality rate. This single case study report details the first deep brain stimulation (DBS) trial targeting the sub-thalamic nucleus (STN) for crack-cocaine dependence. The investigation aimed to assess the effects of STN-DBS on cocaine craving and cocaine use, as well as STN-DBS safety and tolerance in this indication. In this pilot study, we performed double blind cross-over trials, with “ON-DBS” vs. “SHAM-DBS” for 1-month periods. STN-DBS failed to reduce cocaine craving and use. An episode of DBS-induced hypomania occurred after several weeks of cocaine intake at stimulation parameters previously well tolerated. Future research on cocaine dependence should be conducted after a prolonged abstinence period and/or explore novel types of stimulation patterns.</p>