Using brain stimulation and future thinking to help with methamphetamine addiction
A Pilot Study of Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation Plus Episodic Future Thinking for Methamphetamine Use Disorder
This study is testing whether a new treatment that combines brain stimulation with future thinking exercises can help people struggling with methamphetamine addiction.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 20 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years to 65 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | The University of Texas Health Science Center, Houston Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Houston, Texas) |
| Trial ID | NCT06712446 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This study evaluates the effects of repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) combined with Episodic Future Thinking (EFT) on individuals with methamphetamine use disorder. Participants will receive either active rTMS or sham rTMS along with EFT training to assess changes in delay discounting, methamphetamine demand, and the vividness of future positive events. The study aims to determine if this combined approach can enhance the frequency of episodic thinking and improve treatment outcomes for methamphetamine addiction.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates are individuals who meet the DSM-5 criteria for primary methamphetamine use disorder and are fluent in English.
Not a fit: Patients with other current illicit substance use disorders or significant psychiatric conditions may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could provide a novel therapeutic option for individuals struggling with methamphetamine use disorder.
How similar studies have performed: While the combination of rTMS and EFT is innovative, similar studies have shown promise in using brain stimulation techniques for addiction treatment.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Meet Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5) criteria for primary methamphetamine use disorder * Be fluent in English and able to understand the consent form Exclusion Criteria: * Current DSM-5 diagnosis for any illicit substance use disorder other than methamphetamine and marijuana * Current DSM-5 diagnosis of moderate or greater severity for alcohol and marijuana use disorder * In the opinion of the PI, the presence of any medical, neurological, psychiatric (e.g., psychotic or bipolar disorder), or physical condition, disease, or illness that, may: (a) compromise, interfere, limit, effect or reduce the subject's ability to complete the study; or (b) adversely impact the safety of the subject or the integrity of the data * Has current or recent (within 3 months of potential enrollment) suicidal ideation, suicidal behavior, homicidal ideation or a homicidal plan sufficient to raise subject safety concerns based on the following assessments according to the PI: 1. Structured Clinical Interview for DSM-5 (SCID-5) 2. Columbia-Suicide Severity Rating Scale (C-SSRS) Screening - Answers YES to Questions 3, 4, 5, or 6 3. Assault \& homicidal danger assessment tool - Key to danger \>1 * Medical implants contraindicating TMS (i.e., aneurysm clips or coils, stents, implanted stimulators, implanted vagus nerve or deep brain stimulators, implanted electrical devices such as pacemakers or medication pumps, electrodes for monitoring brain activity, cochlear implants for hearing, any magnetic implants, bullet fragments, any other metal device or object implanted in your body closer than 30 cm from the coil) * History of brain surgery * History of an intracranial lesion or any medical or neurological diagnosis/condition associated with increased intracranial pressure (i.e., Idiopathic Intracranial Hypertension/Pseudotumor Cerebri) OR any of the following symptoms within 30 days of enrollment: headaches \> 15 days/month, loss of vision or decreased vision * Moderate-to-severe heart disease * History of stroke * Is taking any antidepressant or antipsychotic medication at a dose above the maximum recommended dose or at a dose deemed to be potentially unsafe according to the PI; has taken any of the following medications, which are known to increase the risk of seizures, within 1 week of study enrollment; or does not agree to abstain from taking the following medications during study participation: 1. clozapine 2. chlorpromazine 3. bupropion 4. clomipramine hydrochloride 5. amoxapine 6. maprotiline hydrochloride 7. diphenhydramine 8. stimulants other than methamphetamine including the following: Dextroamphetamine and amphetamine, Dextroamphetamine, Lisdexamfetamine dimesylate, Cocaine, Methylphenidate, 9. tramadol 10. isoniazid * Personal history of epilepsy or seizure disorder and/or family history including a first-degree relative * Serious head injury with loss of consciousness * Impending incarceration * Pregnant or nursing females * Inability to read, write, or speak English * For adolescent aged participants (18-21 only): any risk factor for neurocardiogenic syncope (history of syncope/presyncope related to noxious stimuli, anxiety, micturition, or posture)
Where this trial is running
Houston, Texas
- The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston — Houston, Texas, United States (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Heather Webber, PhD — The University of Texas Health Science Center, Houston
- Study coordinator: Heather Webber, PhD
- Email: Heather.E.Webber@uth.tmc.edu
- Phone: 713-486-2723
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.