NCT06244329

Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation in Drugs Addiction

The Application of Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (rTMS) as an Adjunct Therapy in Reduction of Craving and Consumption of Illicit Drugs

• Status: Completed
• Phase: N/A
• Study type: Interventional
• Enrollment: 48 (actual)
• Sponsor: The Hong Kong Polytechnic University · Academic / Other
• Sex: All
• Age: 18 Years – 60 Years
• Healthy volunteers: Not accepted

Summary

This study also aims to develop and apply a standard repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) protocol on drug users. The investigators want to focus on the effects of rTMS on amphetamine and cocaine as they are the most commonly used types of illicit drugs in Hong Kong. The primary research question is: • To examine if rTMS can reduce craving and consumption of the most commonly used illicit drugs (amphetamine, cocaine) among people with drug use disorders in Hong Kong? The secondary research questions are: * What is the association between rTMS protocol (frequency, intensity) and drug craving and consumption? * Would there be gains in executing functioning among participants who have received rTMS treatment? * Would there be a reduction in depressive and anxiety symptoms among participants who have received rTMS treatment? The investigators would use a cross-over design (figure 1) to investigate the effects of rTMS. The investigators would recruit participants through community drug rehabilitation and youth outreach services. Participants who meet the selection and exclusion criteria will be invited to join. Upon obtaining their written consent, the investigators would randomize participants to a treatment (rTMS) group and a sham stimulation (placebo) group. Upon completing the first phase (2 weeks), there would be a washout period of 2 weeks. The two groups will swap (treatment becomes sham, and vice-versa) and the second phase will proceed. A double-blinded procedure will be implemented. Outcome measures will be conducted at baseline, after Phase I, at the start of Phase II, and at the end of Phase II.

Conditions

• Substance Use Disorders

Interventions

Type	Name	Description
DEVICE	Transcranial magnetic stimulation	Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) uses magnetic fields to stimulate nerve cells in the brain. TMS uses a small electromagnetic coil controlled by a computer program to deliver short, powerful pulses of magnetic energy focused precisely on parts of the brain's pre-frontal cortex. High-frequency repetitive TMS can enhance the excitability of the stimulated region.

Timeline

• Start date: 2020-12-03
• Primary completion: 2023-08-14
• Completion: 2023-08-14
• First posted: 2024-02-06
• Last updated: 2024-02-06

Locations

1 site across 1 country: Hong Kong