Improving executive control in gambling disorder using brain stimulation
Brain Mechanism and Intervention of Executive-control Dysfunction Among Gambling Disorder
This study is testing if a brain stimulation technique can help people with gambling disorder improve their decision-making skills.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 20 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years to 60 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Shanghai Mental Health Center Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Shanghai, Shanghai) |
| Trial ID | NCT06195995 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This study investigates the effects of transcranial Alternating Current Stimulation (tACS) on patients with gambling disorder, focusing on enhancing their executive-control function. The researchers hypothesize that tACS can adjust synchronization patterns and improve the functional connectivity of the prefrontal-ventral striatum pathway, which is linked to cognitive dysfunction in gambling addiction. Participants will undergo tACS treatment, followed by a three-month follow-up to assess changes in executive-control function and understand the underlying mechanisms. This research aims to provide a foundation for developing new treatment options for gambling disorder.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults aged 18-60 who meet the DSM-5 criteria for gambling disorder and have a history of gambling for at least one year.
Not a fit: Patients with severe cognitive impairments or those who have a history of head trauma or substance abuse may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this intervention could significantly improve cognitive control in patients with gambling disorder, potentially reducing their gambling behavior.
How similar studies have performed: While the approach of using tACS for cognitive enhancement is promising, its application specifically for gambling disorder has not been extensively tested, making this a novel investigation.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Aged 18-60, male or female, with 9 or more years of education, and able to complete questionnaire evaluation and behavioral tests * Meet DSM-5 (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of mental disorders，DSM) diagnostic criteria for gambling disorder * Have gambled for at least one year (at least once a week) * Normal vision and hearing, or within the normal range after correction * Agree to cooperate in the follow-up evaluation * No metal implantation in the head, no history of nerve problems or head injury, and no skin sensitivity Exclusion Criteria: * Have severe cognitive impairment, such as a history of head trauma, cerebrovascular disease, epilepsy, etc. * Have used drugs promoting cognitive function in the last 6 months * Have impaired intelligence (Intelligence Quotient\<70) * Abuse or dependence of psychoactive substances (except nicotine) in the last 5 years
Where this trial is running
Shanghai, Shanghai
- Shanghai Mental Health Center — Shanghai, Shanghai, China (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Jiang Du, M.D., Ph.D. — Shanghai Mental Health Center
- Study coordinator: Jiang Du, MD, PhD
- Email: dujiangdou@163.com
- Phone: +862164906315
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.