Using magnetic stimulation to treat somatic symptom disorder
Use Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation to Treat Somatic Symptom Disorder: A Randomized Double-blind Sham-controlled Crossover Study
This study is testing if a type of magnetic stimulation can help people with somatic symptom disorder feel less distress and anxiety about their health.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 30 (estimated) |
| Ages | 20 Years to 70 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | National Taiwan University Hospital Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Douliu, Yunlin) |
| Trial ID | NCT05161819 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This study investigates the effectiveness of repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) on the left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex in treating somatic symptom disorder (SSD). It employs a randomized double-blind sham-controlled crossover design, where participants will receive either active rTMS or a sham treatment. The primary outcomes measured will be somatic distress and health anxiety, which are key symptoms of SSD. The study aims to explore whether rTMS can provide relief for patients suffering from this condition, which often overlaps with other functional disorders.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are adults aged 20-70 diagnosed with somatic symptom disorder.
Not a fit: Patients with psychotic symptoms, cognitive impairment, or those with certain medical conditions or medications may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this treatment could significantly reduce somatic distress and health anxiety in patients with somatic symptom disorder.
How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have shown that rTMS can be effective for conditions like depression and fibromyalgia, suggesting potential success for this approach in treating somatic symptom disorder.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Patient with somatic symptom disorder (confirmed by psychiatrists) * Age 20-70 Exclusion Criteria: * Having psychotic symptoms or cognitive impairment * Having potentially lethal illness * Using cardiac pacemakers or defibrillators * Currently pregnant or having plans to become pregnant within the next three months * Received rTMS treatment within three months * Cannot read the questionnaires by oneself * Having to take the following medications persistently: bupropion \>300 mg/day、TCA、clozapine、chlorpromazine、foscarnet、ganciclovir、ritonavir、theophylline
Where this trial is running
Douliu, Yunlin
- National Taiwan University Hospital Yunlin Branch — Douliu, Yunlin, Taiwan (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Wei-Lieh Huang, MD, PhD — National Taiwan University Hospital
- Study coordinator: Wei-Lieh Huang, MD, PhD
- Email: weiliehhuang@gmail.com
- Phone: 886-5-5323911
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.