Using brain stimulation to treat methamphetamine addiction
Official title: Exploring the Mechanisms and Efficacy of Cerebellum-Medial Prefrontal Cortex-Based Paired-Pulse Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation for Methamphetamine Use Disorder
Run by Shanghai Mental Health Center · NCT06457230 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is testing if a new brain stimulation treatment can help people with methamphetamine addiction feel less cravings and improve their thinking while they are on methadone.
Quick facts
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 18 Years to 60 Years |
| Sex | Men only |
| Enrollment | 90 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | Shanghai Mental Health Center Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Shanghai, Shanghai Municipality) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | December 24, 2024 |
| Main results expected | July 2026 |
| Study ends | September 2026 |
| Registry record updated | June 24, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT06457230 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Ideal candidates are individuals aged 18 to 60 with a history of methamphetamine use for at least one year and currently on methadone maintenance treatment.
✕Probably not a fit
Patients with severe cognitive impairments, other substance dependencies, or severe mental illnesses may not benefit from this study.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
This study investigates a novel approach using paired-pulse repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) targeting the frontopolar cortex and cerebellum to treat individuals with methamphetamine use disorder. The intervention aims to enhance functional connectivity in the brain, potentially reducing cravings and improving cognitive flexibility in patients undergoing methadone maintenance treatment. Participants will receive rTMS sessions designed to optimize their treatment and management of addiction, with a focus on understanding the underlying mechanisms of this intervention. The study will also assess the efficacy of this approach in reducing relapse rates among users.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this treatment could significantly improve outcomes for patients struggling with methamphetamine addiction by reducing cravings and relapse rates.
How similar studies have gone: While the specific approach of paired-pulse rTMS is novel, similar studies using rTMS for addiction treatment have shown promising results.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria Participants will be eligible for inclusion if they meet the following criteria: 1. Methamphetamine is the primary substance of use, and the participant meets the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition criteria for moderate or severe methamphetamine use disorder; 2. aged 18 to 60 years; 3. normal or corrected-to-normal vision and hearing, and right-handedness; 4. primary school education or above, with the ability to understand the questionnaires and behavioral task instructions. Exclusion Criteria Participants will be excluded if they meet any of the following criteria: 1. presence of metal objects in the body, such as metal dentures, orthodontic braces, bone fixation plates, aneurysm clips, or other metallic implants; 2. severe physical illness or chronic disease, including heart disease, severe hypertension, stroke, epilepsy, or history of head trauma; 3. comorbid psychiatric disorders, such as bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, or severe depression; 4. previous participation in transcranial magnetic stimulation- or electroencephalography-related studies; 5. refusal to participate in the study, poor compliance, or any other contraindications to transcranial magnetic stimulation.
Where it's running
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Min Zhao, PhD
Shanghai, Shanghai Municipality, China Recruiting
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Min Zhao, PhD
- Email: drminzhao@gmail.com
- Phone: 64387250
Similar studies
Other studies for the same condition or treatment. Recruiting studies are listed first.
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How to take part
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
- Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.