Noninvasive Brain Stimulation as a Novel Treatment Approach for Anorexia Nervosa: A Meta-analysis and Systematic Review of Literature.

Purpose of the Review: Pharmacological and psychological therapies are the main approaches for managing anorexia nervosa (AN). Recent advances in etiology and functional pathways in the brain have opened the gateway for assessing brain-focused treatment. Noninvasive techniques such as repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) and transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) have been researched for potential benefits. This systematic review and meta-analysis explored the effects of rTMS and tDCS on AN with respect to eating behavior, body mass index (BMI), and comorbid symptoms. Collection and Analysis of Data: = .040). Studies involving tDCS showed potential improvement in BMI, core symptoms of AN, and its associated symptoms. Conclusion: Noninvasive neurostimulation has shown improvement in the symptoms of AN and BMI, although meta-analyses have not yet demonstrated robust effects. In contrast, more substantial evidence supports its efficacy in alleviating mood symptoms. Further research is needed to understand the underlying mechanisms, optimize targets, and refine stimulation parameters, which are crucial for developing effective brain-targeted interventions.