Deep TMS for Alcoholism

Recruiting in Palo Alto (17 mi)

Overseen byTimothy Durazzo, PhD

Age: 18+

Sex: Any

Travel: May Be Covered

Time Reimbursement: Varies

Trial Phase: Academic

Waitlist Available

Sponsor: Stanford University

No Placebo Group

Trial Summary

What is the purpose of this trial?This study aims to evaluate the efficacy of deep transcranial magnetic stimulation (dTMS) as a treatment for Veterans with an alcohol use disorder (AUD).

Eligibility Criteria

This trial is for Veterans aged 21-70 with alcohol use disorder (AUD) who are in active treatment, can consent in English, and have been sober for at least 7 days. It's not for those with severe heart or lung conditions, metal implants incompatible with magnetic fields, certain psychiatric disorders like schizophrenia or bipolar disorder, pregnant women, or anyone on medications that lower seizure threshold.

Inclusion Criteria

The study will be open to male and females, regardless of race and ethnic origin, 21-70 years of age, who are in active treatment for an AUD at the VAPAHCS, Foundations of Recovery.

Participants will be accepted if taking medications specifically for the treatment of major depressive disorders, cigarette smoking, or for other psychiatric conditions as long as the medications are not documented to lower seizure threshold - it would be clinically contraindicated to require participants to discontinue such medications for research. rTMS is safely administered to individuals who are taking psychotropic medications that do not lower seizure threshold.

Participants must meet Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 5th Edition (DSM-5) criteria for AUD, and alcohol is self-identified as the primary substance of misuse.

+2 more

Exclusion Criteria

Your thyroid disease is not well managed or under control.

You have chronic lung disease (COPD) and need to use supplemental oxygen.

Other severe cardiac illness as defined by treatment regimen changes in the prior 3 months

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Participant Groups

The study tests deep transcranial magnetic stimulation (dTMS) using an H7 coil to treat AUD in Veterans. Participants will receive dTMS while continuing any current depression treatments as long as they don't increase the risk of seizures.

1Treatment groups

Experimental Treatment

Group I: Active dTMSExperimental Treatment1 Intervention

Participants will receive 30 dTMS treatments, administered 3 times per day over 10 consecutive business days, Each treatment visit will last approximately 30 minutes in total.