rTMS for Craving in Methamphetamine Use Disorder

Launched by OREGON HEALTH AND SCIENCE UNIVERSITY · Mar 16, 2018

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

This clinical trial is studying a treatment called high frequency repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (HF-rTMS) to see if it can help reduce cravings for methamphetamine in adults who are trying to overcome their addiction. The researchers believe that targeting a specific part of the brain (the left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex) with this treatment may help lessen the strong feelings of wanting to use meth. Participants will be randomly assigned to receive either the real treatment or a placebo (sham) treatment, and they will also look at how their cravings change when they are shown images related to meth use versus neutral images.

To be eligible for the trial, you must have a history of methamphetamine use, using at least 0.5 grams a day for at least five days a week for the past year, and you should have completed a detox period of at least four weeks. Participants will receive a series of 10 treatment sessions over two weeks, followed by additional sessions in a maintenance phase. Throughout the trial, there will be assessments to measure cravings and any potential relapse, and urine tests will be done to ensure no other drugs are being used. After the treatment, participants will be contacted six months later to check in on their cravings and overall progress.

Gender

ALL

Eligibility criteria

• Inclusion Criteria:
• • Subjects must use at least 0.5 g per day at least 5 days per week and have a minimum 12-month history of METH abuse.
• • Subjects must meet DSM V diagnosis for methamphetamine use disorder.
• • Subjects must have a minimum 4-week period of detoxification and a desire to stop using methamphetamine.
• Exclusion Criteria:
• • Present or past history of neurological disorder
• • The present history of a DSM IV Axis I or DSM V primary psychiatric disease (apart from MUD and depressive symptoms defined as a Hamilton Depression Scale Score \< 7 ("normal"))
• • Scores on the Hamilton Depression Scale \> 8, possibly indicating clinical depression
• • No current abuse of drugs other than methamphetamine (except nicotine). Urine-screening tests for psychoactive drugs will be performed to corroborate the lack of drug use.
• • Individuals meeting criteria for cannabis use disorder or alcohol use disorder
• • Medical illness that can affect brain function
• • Past or present history of cardiovascular disease or high blood pressure
• • Any history of epilepsy or a known history of seizure disorder
• • A history of metal in the head or chest area (except dental fillings or braces)
• • Current consumption of psychiatric medication
• • Any other medical, neurological or neurosurgical condition that would preclude the administration of repetitive transmagnetic stimulation