Neurostimulation for treating misophonia
Using Neurostimulation to Accelerate Change in Misophonia: a Pilot Study
This study is testing a new treatment for misophonia that combines sound therapy and brain stimulation to see if it can help people feel less upset by certain noises.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 60 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years to 55 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Duke University Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Durham, North Carolina) |
| Trial ID | NCT06333925 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This study aims to explore a new intervention for misophonia, a condition characterized by extreme sensitivity to certain sounds. Participants will learn emotion regulation strategies and receive either high-frequency repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (HF rTMS) or a sham treatment over four sessions. The study will assess changes in brain activity in response to misophonic sounds and evaluate the effectiveness of the intervention in reducing distress. By personalizing sound triggers for each participant, the study seeks to enhance understanding and treatment of misophonia.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults aged 18-55 with moderate to severe misophonia who are stable on prescribed medications.
Not a fit: Patients with a history of mania or psychosis, or those not medically cleared for TMS or fMRI, may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this intervention could significantly reduce distress and improve quality of life for individuals suffering from misophonia.
How similar studies have performed: While misophonia is a relatively novel area of study, similar neurostimulation approaches have shown promise in treating other sensory processing disorders.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * 18-55 * verbal agreement to maintain dose of prescribed psychotropic medication (if any) and/or psychotherapy (if any) constant throughout the study, provided they are stable on it for the past 4 weeks (except exclusion medication and except if there is a medical emergency requiring changes in medication). * DMQ Impairment score \>= 14 Exclusion Criteria: * current or past history of mania or psychosis; current hypomania * verbal IQ\< 90 as per the NART * not medically cleared for TMS or fMRI (such as taking medications known to reduce the seizure threshold such as Lithium, Clozaril, stimulants including the ADHD medications (e.g. Ritalin, Adderall), Wellbutrin/Buproprion, Provigil (Modafinil), Aminophylline, and Theophylline) * DMQ Impairment score \< 14 * younger than 18 and older than 55 * pregnant * high risk for suicide (defined as having attempted suicide in past 6 months; suicide attempt within the past 10 years with current ideation with plan or preferred method available) * moderate/severe current alcohol or substance use disorder, or past severe alcohol use disorder * unable to read, blind, or deaf, or unwilling to give consent * cannot come to Duke for the in-person study visits * current uncontrolled anorexia or other condition requiring hospitalization * conditions associated with increased intracranial pressure, space occupying brain lesion, transient ischemic attack, cerebral aneurysm, dementia, Parkinson's or Huntington's disease, multiple sclerosis * use of investigational drug or devices within 4 weeks of screening * started/changed psychotropic medications or started psychotherapy in the prior 4 weeks, or plans to change medication or stop psychotherapy during the study
Where this trial is running
Durham, North Carolina
- Duke University Medical Center — Durham, North Carolina, United States (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Andrada D Neacsiu, PhD — Duke University
- Study coordinator: Jessica Choi, MA
- Email: jessica.choi@duke.edu
- Phone: 919-684-4432
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.