Assessing the Impact of Deep TMS Neuromodulation on Neural Circuits Associated With Alcohol Use Disorder

Launched by STANFORD UNIVERSITY · Apr 21, 2025

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

This clinical trial is looking at a treatment called deep transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) to help Veterans with Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD). The goal is to see if this method can reduce the chances of relapse, which is when someone goes back to drinking after trying to quit. The study is not yet recruiting participants, but it will involve adults aged 18 to 75 who have been diagnosed with moderate to severe AUD.

To participate, individuals must be able to attend scheduled visits, understand and sign consent forms, and be stable in their overall health and medication use. However, there are some important criteria that could exclude someone from the study, such as having certain medical devices (like a pacemaker) or active health issues that might interfere with the trial. Participants will receive treatment at a clinic and be monitored throughout the study to ensure their safety and well-being. This trial aims to explore a new treatment option for those struggling with alcohol dependency.

Gender

ALL

Eligibility criteria

• Inclusion Criteria:
• • Age 18-75.
• • Current DSM-5 diagnosis of moderate to severe AUD (\≥4 diagnostic symptoms).
• • Ability to obtain a Motor Threshold (MT) will be determined during the screening process.
• • Has an adequately stable condition and environment to enable attendance at scheduled clinic visits.
• • Able to read, understand and voluntarily sign the Informed Consent Form prior to participating in any study-specific procedures or assessments.
• • If on a medication regimen for comorbid symptoms, that regimen will be stable for the duration of the study and patient will be willing to remain on this regimen during the treatment phase.
• • Fluency in English.
• Exclusion Criteria:
• • Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) contraindications: such as a cardiac pacemaker, cochlear implant, or an implanted device (deep brain stimulation, metal in the head, metal in the body, claustrophobia, pregnant or breastfeeding or other ferromagnetic device/objected in the head and body within 30 cm of the treatment coil.
• • General medical condition, disease or neurological disorder that interferes with the assessments or participation.
• • Unable to safely withdraw, at least two weeks prior to treatment, from medications that increase seizure risk.
• • Current substance abuse (except caffeine or nicotine) as determined by positive toxicology screen.
• • Have a mass lesion, cerebral infarct, or other active CNS disease, including an alcohol-related seizure or a seizure disorder.
• • A recent suicide attempt (defined as within the last 30 days) or presence of current suicidal plan or intent. Patients at risk for suicide will be required to establish a written safety plan involving their primary therapist before entering the study.
• • Severe impediment to vision, hearing and/or hand movement, likely to interfere with the ability to follow study protocols.
• • Greater than mild traumatic brain injury (defined as greater than 10 minutes loss of consciousness).
• • Taking benzodiazepine or neuroleptic medications, or any medication known to alter seizure threshold
• • Acute or unstable chronic illness.
• • Current or lifetime history of bipolar disorder or psychosis