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rTMS for Methamphetamine Craving

This study is testing if repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) can help reduce craving in adults with methamphetamine use disorder. rTMS uses a magnet placed on your head to stimulate specific brain areas. You would receive either real rTMS or a sham (inactive) rTMS, and neither you nor the treatment team will know which you are getting. Before each session, you will be shown pictures related to methamphetamine or neutral images. The study is looking to see if rTMS reduces craving for methamphetamine, measured at 6 weeks. You may be eligible if you are 18-65 years old, use at least 0.5g of methamphetamine daily for at least 5 days a week, have a 12-month history of abuse, meet the DSM V diagnosis for methamphetamine use disorder, and have detoxed for at least 4 weeks with a desire to stop using methamphetamine. The current status of this study is unclear.

Study design
This is an interventional study with a planned enrollment of 50 participants. It is a randomized, single-blind, sham-controlled study, meaning participants will be randomly assigned to receive either real or inactive treatment, and they won't know which they are receiving.
What's involved
Just before each rTMS session, participants will be shown methamphetamine-related or neutral pictures. The rTMS treatments will be given daily for 10 days.
Compensation
Not stated in the trial record.
Follow-up
The primary outcomes, such as craving levels, will be measured at 6 weeks after the start of the study.

AI-generated from the public study record. Only the study team can confirm whether you're eligible — confirm details with them before making decisions.

NCT03470480

rTMS for Craving in Methamphetamine Use Disorder

UNKNOWN
NAAges 18–65InterventionalTreatment
Oregon Health and Science University
~50 participants
Updated 2024-05-17 on ClinicalTrials.gov
What's tested:Real Repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulationSham Repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulationMethamphetamine visual cuesNeutral visual cues

At a glance

Recruiting sites
1 of 1 listed site is recruiting right now
RecruitingSuspended, closed, or not yet open
What they're measuring
Effect of rTMS directed at left DLPFC on craving for methamphetamine as assessed by the Severity of Dependence Scale.
Measured over 6 weeks
+2 more outcomes measured

Conditions

Methamphetamine Abuse
Substance Use Disorders
Stimulant Dependence
Methamphetamine-dependence
Stimulant Use
Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation

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NCT03470480

Where you'd take part

This study runs at 1 site. They're the same protocol — you choose where, and that choice sets who your contact draft is addressed to.

  • Veterans Affairs Portland Health Care System

    Portland, Oregonstudy coordinator listed

    Recruiting

Sites open and close at different times, so the status above is per site — it can differ from the study's overall status.

Who to contact

Brandon J Cornejo, MD, PhD
[email protected]
503-721-7964
Email the study team

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Eligibility criteria

Inclusion

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

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

What this trial measures

  • Effect of rTMS directed at left DLPFC on craving for methamphetamine as assessed by the Severity of Dependence Scale.6 weeks

    The Severity of Dependence Scale (SDS) is a 5-item questionnaire that provides a score indicating the severity of dependence on methamphetamine. Each of the five items is scored on a 4-point scale (0-3). The total score is obtained through the addition of the 5-item ratings and will range from 0 to 15. The higher the score the higher the level of dependence. Pre and post differences in craving will be assessed.

  • Effect of rTMS directed at left DLPFC on craving for methamphetamine as assessed by a Visual Analog Scale (VAS).6 weeks

    The visual analogue scale (VAS) is a fixed-length horizontal line on which the participant draws a line between the two anchors of "no cravings at all" and "most intense craving imaginable". The distance between the "no cravings at all" anchor and the participants line is measured and reported as a value between 0 and 100. The higher the value, the more intense the participants cravings are. Pre and post differences in craving will be assessed.

  • Effect of rTMS directed at left DLPFC on craving for methamphetamine as assessed by the Stimulant Craving Questionnaire (STCQ).6 weeks

    The Stimulant Craving Questionnaire-Brief (STCQ) is a 10-item self-report measure that assesses current craving for methamphetamine, using a seven-point scale, with answers ranging from 0 ("strongly disagree") to 6 ("strongly agree"). A composite score is generated for each participant by averaging the responses over all 10 questions. The scores can range from 0 to 6. The higher the composite score, the stronger the current craving. Pre and post differences in craving will be assessed.