Can Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation Decrease Food Reinforcement

Launched by HARTFORD HOSPITAL · Aug 29, 2022

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

This clinical trial is studying a method called repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) to see if it can help people with obesity by reducing their desire to eat for pleasure, even when they are not hungry. The trial focuses on individuals who are planning to have bariatric surgery, particularly those who struggle with a strong urge to eat tasty foods. Researchers will compare the effects of real rTMS to a fake version (sham rTMS) to see if it can change how much work participants are willing to do to get food compared to money. Participants will undergo two sessions where they will complete tasks related to their eating habits while their brain activity is monitored.

To participate, you must be between 18 and 60 years old and planning to have primary bariatric surgery. You should be able to understand and give consent in English, and you must not have any cognitive impairments or neurological disorders that could increase risks during the trial. If you join, you can expect to attend two study sessions, where you'll have a standard breakfast before undergoing the rTMS procedure and completing tasks that help researchers understand your food-related behaviors. Your safety is a priority, and there are specific criteria to ensure that participants are appropriate for this study.

Gender

ALL

Eligibility criteria

• Inclusion Criteria:
• • 1. Seeking to undergo primary (not revisional) bariatric surgery at HH.
• • 2. Be able to give valid informed consent in English.
• • 3. Be 18-60 years of age.
• • 4. Absence of cognitive impairment. Must score below 17 on the adult ADHD self-report scale and have an IQ equivalent of ≥ 80 on the WRAT.
• • 5. Meet clinical criteria regarding hedonic hunger
• • 6. Meet safety criteria for EEG and rTMS.
• • 7. Eat a typical breakfast before 8:00 AM on the day of screening.
• Exclusion Criteria:
• • 1. History of any neurological disorder that would increase seizure risk from rTMS such as stroke, brain lesions, previous neurosurgery, any history of seizure or fainting episode of unknown cause, or head trauma resulting in loss of consciousness, lasting over 30 minutes or with sequela lasting longer than one month.
• • 2. First-degree family history of epilepsy, schizophrenia, and bipolar disorder, neurological disorders with a potentially hereditary basis that affect rTMS safety or EEG measures.
• • 3. Cardiac pacemakers, neural stimulators, implantable defibrillator, implanted medication pumps or sensors, intracardiac lines, or acute, unstable cardiac disease, with intracranial implants (e.g., aneurysm clips, shunts, stimulators, cochlear implants, or electrodes) or any other metal object in the body that precludes rTMS administration.
• • 4. Noise-induced hearing loss or tinnitus.
• • 5. Current use of any investigational drug or of anti or pro-convulsive action. Use of medications with psychotropic (e.g., benzodiazepines) effects that is not currently stabilized or with disease symptoms present.
• • 6. Lifetime history of schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, mania, or hypomania.
• • 7. History of myocardial infarction, angina, congestive heart failure, cardiomyopathy, stroke or transient ischemic attack, and currently under medical care.
• • 8. Participation in any rTMS session less than 2 weeks prior to admission. No rTMS exposure for treatment purposes in the last 6 months.
• • 9. Pregnant women.
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