Using personalized rTMS to help with impulse control disorders
Official title: Feasibility of Accelerated, Personalized rTMS as an Adjuvant for Impulse Control Disorders: a Pilot Study
Run by M.D. Anderson Cancer Center · NCT06639594 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is testing whether a personalized brain treatment can help people with impulse control issues, like overeating, to see if it makes a difference in their lives.
Quick facts
| Phase | Phase 1 |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Ages | 21 Years to 60 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 30 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | M.D. Anderson Cancer Center Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Houston, Texas) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | November 21, 2024 |
| Main results expected | November 3, 2027 |
| Study ends | November 3, 2027 |
| Registry record updated | September 18, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT06639594 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Ideal candidates for this study are adults aged 18 to 60 with a BMI greater than 30 who can follow study instructions and reside stably in the community.
✕Probably not a fit
Patients with a history of seizures, neurological disorders, or those who do not meet the safety criteria for EEG and rTMS 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 pilot study aims to evaluate the feasibility of accelerated repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) as an adjuvant therapy for individuals with impulse control disorders, specifically focusing on excessive eating. The study will assess recruitment rates, tolerability of the treatment, and safety by monitoring adverse events. Participants will undergo a series of assessments to determine the optimal dosage and duration of rTMS sessions, with the ultimate goal of developing personalized treatment protocols. The study will involve both telehealth and in-person visits to ensure comprehensive participant engagement.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could provide a novel therapeutic option for individuals struggling with impulse control disorders, potentially improving their quality of life.
How similar studies have gone: While the use of rTMS for various conditions has shown promise, this specific application for impulse control disorders is relatively novel and has not been extensively tested in prior studies.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:
1. Age 21 to 60
2. BMI\>30 (confirmed at in person visit)
3. Able to follow verbal and written instructions in English and complete all aspects of the study.
4. Have an address and telephone number where they may be reached.
5. Subjects must report current stable residence. Stable residence is a domicile in which an individual can operate as if it were their own homestead and does not include shelters, halfway houses, treatment centers, or group homes.
6. Meet safety criteria for EEG and rTMS.
7. Willing and able to independently remove any metal from the neck and above for rTMS procedures (e.g., jewelry, retainer)
8. Provides written informed consent and agree to all assessments and study procedures.
9. Agrees to complete telehealth (live audio-video conference and phone) and in-person visits and to be contacted via text.
Exclusion Criteria
1. rTMS exposure for treatment or research purposes in the last 6 months.
2. History of seizure, epilepsy, syncope, fainting episode, or head trauma resulting in loss of consciousness.
3. Presence or history of neurological disorders (migraine, stroke, Alzheimer's Disease and other Dementias, Parkinson's Disease, Multiple Sclerosis, Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI), increased intracranial pressure).
4. History of brain surgery, implanted electronic device, metal in the head.
5. Cardiac pacemakers, neural stimulators, implantable defibrillator, implanted medication pumps or sensors, intracardiac lines, or acute, unstable cardiac disease, with intracranial implants (e.g., aneurysm clips, shunts, stimulators, cochlear implants, or electrodes)
6. History of or currently under medical care for myocardial infarction, angina, congestive heart failure, cardiomyopathy, stroke, or transient ischemic attack.
7. Reported history of vision problems that are not treated.
8. Has a hairstyle not compatible with the EEG net that is required to be worn on the scalp during the experimental procedure.
9. Reports current diagnosis or history of type I diabetes.
10. Currently using insulin.
11. Have undergone bariatric surgery.
12. Currently being enrolled in a weight loss program
13. Takes any prescription or over the counter medications or supplements to control weight and/or appetite.
14. Self-report a history of or current diagnosis of a mental health condition.
15. Reports insomnia (\<4 hours sleep per night, in 3 or more nights per week in the last 3 months)
16. Reports (\<4 hours of sleep) the day of the visit.
17. Reports using marijuana on a daily basis.
18. Reports having used any other illicit drugs (other than marijuana) or prescription medications for non-medical reasons in the last 12 months.
19. Currently receiving treatment for substance use disorder (e.g., alcohol, opioids, cocaine, marijuana, or stimulants).
20. Females who report averaging more than 7 alcoholic drinks, or males who report averaging more than 14 alcoholic drinks in a single week in the last 30 days.
21. Current use of certain medications (last 3 months):
* Investigational drugs.
* Drugs of anti or pro-convulsive action. Medications with psychotropic effects (e.g., antidepressants, antipsychotics).
* Medications known to increase risk of seizure taken within 1 week of enrollment.
* Smoking cessation medication (e.g., Zyban, Wellbutrin, Wellbutrin SR, Chantix).
22. Being pregnant or lactating
23. Reported allergies to chocolate or any ingredient in the M\&M candies.
24. Noise-induced hearing loss or tinnitus.
25. Currently participating in any other research study.
26. Any otherwise not specified medical or psychiatric condition, illness, disorder, or concomitant medication that could compromise participant safety or treatment, as determined by the Principal Investigator and/or Study Physician
27. Subjects considered by the investigator as unsuitable for the study for reasons not otherwise stated.
Where it's running
-
The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center
Houston, Texas, United States Recruiting
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Francesco Versace, PHD,PHD — The Unversity of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center
- Study coordinator: Francesco Versace, PHD, PHD
- Email: fversace@mdanderson.org
- Phone: (713) 745-7933
Similar studies
Other studies for the same condition or treatment. Recruiting studies are listed first.
-
Prediction-model guided drug choice to prevent impulse control disorders in Parkinson's
This trial tests whether an algorithm-guided approach to prescribing Parkinson’s disease medicines can reduce impulse control problems compared with usual care in adults with Parkinson’s.
-
Speech assessment in patients with Parkinson's disease and impulse control issues
This study tests how deep brain stimulation for impulse control in Parkinson's disease affects patients' speech over time.
-
Understanding impulsivity in Parkinson's patients with deep brain stimulation
This study is testing how deep brain stimulation affects impulsivity in people with Parkinson's disease to see if different settings can help reduce impulsive behavior.
-
Using rTMS to treat impulse control disorders in Parkinson's disease
This study is testing if a treatment called rTMS can help people with Parkinson's disease who struggle with impulse control issues feel more in control of their behaviors.
-
Combining neurostimulation with emotion regulation training for emotional issues
This study is testing if combining brain stimulation with training on how to manage emotions can help people with emotional issues feel better.
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.