Brain Mechanism and Intervention of Executive-control Dysfunction Among Substance Dependents

Launched by SHANGHAI MENTAL HEALTH CENTER · Mar 28, 2022

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

This clinical trial is studying a new treatment called transcranial alternating current stimulation (tACS) to help improve decision-making and self-control in people who are dependent on substances, like amphetamines or alcohol. Researchers believe that this treatment may help the brain work better by changing how different parts of it communicate with each other. The trial will involve participants receiving tACS and being followed up for three months to see if their ability to control their actions improves.

To be eligible for this trial, participants should be between 18 and 60 years old, have at least nine years of education, and must meet specific criteria for substance addiction. They should have been using amphetamines or alcohol at least once a week for the past year. Participants will need to have normal vision and hearing, and they must agree to participate in follow-up assessments. It’s important to note that people with severe cognitive issues or certain medical conditions will not be able to join. If you choose to participate, you can expect to undergo questionnaires and behavioral tests to measure any changes in your executive function, which is a term used to describe skills like thinking and decision-making.

Gender

ALL

Eligibility criteria

• Inclusion Criteria:
• • Aged 18-60, male or female, with 9 or more years of education, and able to complete questionnaire evaluation and behavioral tests
• • Meet DSM-5 diagnostic criteria for amphetamine-type substance addiction or alcohol addiction
• • Have used amphetamine or alcohol for at least one year (at least once a week)
• • Normal vision and hearing, or within the normal range after correction
• • Agree to cooperate in the follow-up evaluation
• • No metal implantation in the head, no history of nerve problems or head injury, and no skin sensitivity
• Exclusion Criteria:
• • Have severe cognitive impairment, such as a history of head trauma, cerebrovascular disease, epilepsy, etc.
• • Have used drugs promoting cognitive function in the last 6 months
• • Have impaired intelligence (IQ\<70)
• • Abuse or dependence of other psychoactive substances (except nicotine) in the last 5 years