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Neurocognitive Function as a Treatment Target for Tobacco Use Disorder

  • Addictions (J Grant, Section Editor)
  • Published:
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Abstract

Purpose of Review

Novel approaches are needed to improve the treatment of tobacco use disorder (TUD). Two distinct literatures have examined the impact of cognitive function in the maintenance of TUD. One approach has focused on automatic cognitive processes, and the second approach has addressed the role of executive cognitive processes. This review focuses on interventions that target automatic and cognitive processes for TUD.

Recent Findings

There appears to be evidence that attention re-training (AR) reduces automatic cognitions, but the effect on smoking requires further research. Several medications including varenicline, bupropion, and galantamine can improve executive processes and potentially reduce craving and smoking. However, whether the beneficial effects of these medications are mediated by cognitive improvement remains to be determined. Other strategies including the approach-avoidance task, transcranial direct current stimulation, and exercise require further study.

Summary

Most research focuses on targeting automatic and controlled cognitive processes, separately in relatively small samples. Future research should consider targeting both processes simultaneously.

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Papers of particular interest, published recently, have been highlighted as: • Of importance •• Of major importance

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Cancer Prevention Fellowship Program Division of Cancer Prevention, National Cancer Institute, 9609 Medical Center Drive, Rockville, MD, 20850, USA

    Cendrine D. Robinson

  2. Department of Medical and Clinical Psychology, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, Bethesda, MD, 20814, USA

    Andrew J. Waters & Nicole Kang

  3. Department of Psychiatry, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, 06510, USA

    Mehmet Sofuoglu

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  1. Cendrine D. Robinson
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  2. Andrew J. Waters
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  3. Nicole Kang
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  4. Mehmet Sofuoglu
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Correspondence to Cendrine D. Robinson.

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Dr. Cendrine D. Robinson, Dr. Andrew J. Waters, Dr. Nicole Kang, and Dr. Mehmet Sofuoglu declare that they have no conflicts of interest.

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Robinson, C.D., Waters, A.J., Kang, N. et al. Neurocognitive Function as a Treatment Target for Tobacco Use Disorder. Curr Behav Neurosci Rep 4, 10–20 (2017). https://doi.org/10.1007/s40473-017-0105-x

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