Using brain stimulation to improve control in gambling disorder

Is this trial a fit for you?

A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.

What this trial studies

This clinical trial investigates the effects of theta burst stimulation on patients diagnosed with Gambling Disorder. In a randomized double-blind placebo-controlled design, 40 participants will receive either active or sham transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) to the pre-supplementary motor area (pre-SMA) over two weeks. The study aims to explore the neural mechanisms underlying gambling behavior by combining TMS with multimodal structural and functional MRI, as well as behavioral assessments. The goal is to identify changes in brain connectivity that correlate with clinical improvements in inhibitory control and symptom severity.

Why it matters

Who can join: the full rules

Inclusion Criteria:

1. DSM-5 diagnosis of Gambling Disorder
2. Age between 18 and 65 years

Exclusion Criteria:

1. any additional current psychiatric comorbidity, except for nicotine addiction;
2. a lifetime DSM-5 diagnosis of schizophrenia or other psychotic syndromes, substance dependence or substance abuse, including alcohol, bipolar I or II disorder, mental disorder due to a general medical condition;
3. serious suicide risk;
4. illness duration less than two years;
5. hospitalization in the last 6 months;
6. the inability to receive TMS because of metallic implants, or history of seizures (personal or family history of seizure in first degree relatives);
7. any major medical disease;
8. pregnancy or nursing of an infant;
9. the inability or refusal to provide written informed consent.

Where it's running

• CNSOnlus, Institute of Neuroscience
  Florence, Italy Recruiting

Similar studies

Other studies for the same condition or treatment. Recruiting studies are listed first.

• Digital cognitive behavioral therapy for gambling disorder and family support

  This pilot trial tests whether digital CBT for adults with gambling disorder, with optional online family support, works as well as traditional face-to-face CBT in Indonesia.

  Recruiting Universitas Indonesia · Jakarta Pusat, Jakarta Special Capital Region · NCT07863440

• Psilocybin-assisted psychotherapy for gambling disorder

  This pilot study tests whether psilocybin-assisted psychotherapy can help adults with gambling disorder see if they have fewer symptoms after treatment.

  Recruiting Phase 2 Nantes University Hospital · Nantes · NCT07391332

• High-Intensity Transcranial Alternating Current Stimulation for Gambling Disorder

  This study tests whether HI-tACS can help people with gambling disorder improve their self-control and reduce gambling behaviors.

  Recruiting Shanghai Mental Health Center · Shanghai · NCT07228182

• Comparing internet-based and in-person cognitive behavioral therapy for gambling disorder

  This study is testing whether online therapy for gambling problems works just as well as in-person therapy for adults struggling with Gambling Disorder.

  Recruiting Aarhus University Hospital · Aarhus, Denmark · NCT06989125

• Virtual Reality Exposure Therapy for Gambling Disorder

  This study tests whether virtual reality exposure therapy added to CBT can reduce gambling disorder symptoms as well as traditional imaginal exposure therapy in adults seeking treatment.

  Recruiting University Hospital, Lille · Amiens and 9 other locations · NCT04467502

• Using contingency management to help rural gamblers with their gambling disorder

  This study is testing whether adding a new approach called contingency management to regular counseling can help people in rural areas with gambling problems feel better.

  Recruiting University of Lethbridge · Lethbridge, Alberta · NCT02953899

How to take part

1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
2. Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
3. Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.