Effects of Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation on Alcohol Use Disorder

An Investigation of TMS Effects Using Magnetoencephalography (MEG) Among Individuals With and Without Heavy Alcohol Use

This study is testing whether Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation can change brain activity in people with Alcohol Use Disorder to see if it helps them reduce their drinking.

Quick facts

• Phase: NA
• Study type: Interventional
• Enrollment: 10 (estimated)
• Ages: 21 Years to 65 Years
• Sex: All
• Sponsor: Wake Forest University Health Sciences (other)
• Locations: 1 site (Winston-Salem, North Carolina)
• Trial ID: NCT06770556 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study investigates the effects of Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) on brain activity in individuals with and without Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD). Using Magnetoencephalography (MEG), the research aims to measure the acute effects of different TMS pulse sequences on neural circuits associated with AUD. Participants will undergo a series of MEG scans before and after TMS administration to assess changes in brain activity. The study will compare active TMS treatments with sham conditions to evaluate the efficacy of TMS in modulating brain function related to alcohol consumption.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates include individuals diagnosed with Alcohol Use Disorder as well as healthy participants without AUD.

Not a fit: Patients with current substance use disorders other than alcohol or serious psychiatric disorders may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to new non-invasive treatment options for individuals struggling with Alcohol Use Disorder.

How similar studies have performed: While TMS has shown promise in treating various conditions, this specific application for Alcohol Use Disorder is relatively novel and has not been extensively tested.

Eligibility criteria

Inclusion Criteria non-AUD Participants:

* Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5) score for AUD = 0
* Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test (AUDIT) score ≤ 7
* Is not a heavy alcohol consumer

Inclusion Criteria AUD Participants:

* DSM-5 score for AUD ≥ 3
* AUDIT score ≥ 8
* Is a heavy alcohol consumer

Exclusion Criteria:

* Current substance use disorder other than alcohol use disorder and/or frequent use of non-prescribed psychoactive substances.
* Current serious psychiatric disorder, and/or any history of a psychotic disorder
* Any health problem that would interfere with the study or could be aggravated by study procedures (e.g., history of migraines, claustrophobia).
* Is currently taking or initiates a medication known to affect alcohol intake and/or craving.
* History of traumatic brain injury resulting in hospitalization, loss of consciousness, and/or having ever been informed he/she has an epidural, subdural, or subarachnoid hemorrhage.
* Does not meet safety criteria for TMS or MRI.
* Females of childbearing potential who are pregnant (by urine HCG), planning to become pregnant, nursing, or who are not using a reliable form of birth control.
* Is at an elevated risk of seizure (i.e. has a history of seizures, is currently prescribed medications known to lower seizure threshold and has had a change in their medication).
* Clinical Intake Withdrawal Assessment (CIWA\>5) (to prevent delivering TMS to individuals in withdrawal).
* Not able to read and understand questionnaires, assessments, and/or the informed consent.

Where this trial is running

Winston-Salem, North Carolina

• Wake Forest University Health Sciences — Winston-Salem, North Carolina, United States (RECRUITING)

Study contacts

• Principal investigator: Merideth A Addicott, PhD — Wake Forest University Health Sciences
• Study coordinator: Merideth A Addicott, PhD

Conditions: Alcohol Use Disorder, Alcohol Dependence, Alcohol Consumption, Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation, Magnetoencephalography