Back to search results

Testing Brain Networks and Decision-making

This study aims to understand how specific brain networks, called orbitofrontal cortex (OFC) networks, help us make decisions. Researchers will use transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS), a non-invasive device that uses magnetic fields to stimulate nerve cells in the brain, along with functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) scans. You might receive either real TMS or sham TMS (a placebo version) before completing a task involving smells and choices. The study is looking for healthy individuals between 18 and 40 years old who are right-handed and speak fluent English. We will measure your behavior on a decision-making task and take fMRI scans to see how the TMS affects your brain activity. The study plans to enroll 120 participants, but its current status is unclear.

Study design
This is an interventional study with a randomized, between-subjects design, meaning participants are randomly assigned to different groups. It plans to enroll 120 healthy participants.
What's involved
You would receive either real or sham transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) before completing a conditioning phase and a devaluation test. Your behavior on the devaluation task and resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) will be measured one hour after the intervention.
Compensation
Not stated in the trial record.
Follow-up
Your behavior and brain activity will be measured one hour after the intervention.

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

NCT05111223

Testing the Contribution of Orbitofrontal Cortex Networks to Decision-making

Recruiting
NAAges 18–40InterventionalBasic science
Northwestern University
~120 participants
Updated 2024-08-19 on ClinicalTrials.gov
What's tested:Real transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) before conditioningReal transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) before devaluation testSham transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS)

At a glance

Recruiting sites
1 of 1 listed site is recruiting right now
RecruitingSuspended, closed, or not yet open
What they're measuring
Behavior on devaluation task
Measured over 1 hour after intervention
+1 more outcome measured

Conditions

Healthy

Explore related trials

Healthy

Where it's being run

1 sites across 1 states
Illinois1

Study leadership

  • Christina Zelano, PhD · PRINCIPAL_INVESTIGATOR · Assistant Professor

Who to contact

Christina Zelano, PhD
[email protected]
312-503-4437
Email the study team

Opens a ready-to-send draft in your own email app — review before sending.

Do you actually qualify for this trial?

Add a private profile and we'll compare every criterion below against your situation — and tell you which ones are met, uncertain, or excluding.

Check eligibility for this trial ~2 min · HIPAA-protected · delete anytime
Eligibility criteria

Inclusion

Age between 18 and 40 years old
Right-handed
Fluent English speakers

Exclusion

History of significant neurological conditions (e.g., epilepsy, dementia, multiple sclerosis, brain tumors, etc.)
History of major psychiatric conditions (e.g., general anxiety disorder, depression, schizophrenia, obsessive-compulsive disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, substance use disorder, etc.)
Significant medical illnesses (e.g., cancer, meningitis, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, cardiovascular disease, etc.)
Significant cerebrovascular risk factors (e.g., hypertension, diabetes, elevated cholesterol, etc.)
Current use of psychoactive medications (e.g., barbiturates, benzodiazepines, chloral hydrate, haloperidol, lithium, carbamazepine, phenytoin, citalopram, escitalopram, fluoxetine, diazepam, etc.)
Smell or taste dysfunction
History of significant allergies requiring hospitalization for treatment
History of severe asthma requiring hospitalization for treatment
Habitual smoking
History of eating disorders (e.g., anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, binge-eating disorder, etc.)
Dieting or fasting
Magnetic implants (e.g., shunts or stents, aneurysm clips, surgical clips, cochlear implants, metal bone/joint pins, plates and screws, eyelid spring or wires, etc.)
Electronic devices (e.g., implanted cardiac defibrillator, cardiac pacemaker, deep brain/spinal cord or nerve stimulator, internal electrodes/wires, medication infusion devices, etc.)
History of metal working without proper eye protection, or injury with metal shrapnel or metal slivers
Claustrophobia
Pregnancy
Predisposition to seizures (e.g., personal history of seizures, family history of seizures epilepsy, pregnancy, alcoholism, etc.)
Use of medications that increase the likelihood of seizures (e.g., bupropion SR, citalopram, duloxetine, ketamine, gamma-hydroxybutyrate, etc.)
History of surgical procedures performed on the brain or spinal cord
History of severe head trauma followed by loss of consciousness
History of fainting spells or syncope
Hearing problems or tinnitus

What this trial measures

  • Behavior on devaluation task1 hour after intervention

    Percentage of cues predicting non-devalued vs devalued odors chosen during the devaluation task.

  • Resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging1 hour after intervention

    Resting-state activity determined by functional magnetic resonance imaging.