Neurofeedback + TMS for Alcoholism
(CNT Trial)
Trial Summary
Will I have to stop taking my current medications?
The trial does not specify if you need to stop taking your current medications, but if you are taking medications that lower the seizure threshold, you may not be eligible to participate.
What data supports the effectiveness of this treatment for alcoholism?
Research shows that repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS), a part of this treatment, can help reduce cravings and improve attention and executive function in people with alcohol dependence. This suggests that the combined approach of neurofeedback and TMS might be effective in treating alcoholism.12345
Is Neurofeedback + TMS safe for humans?
How is the Neurofeedback + TMS treatment for alcoholism different from other treatments?
This treatment is unique because it combines real-time functional MRI neurofeedback (a technique that helps patients control brain activity related to cravings) with transcranial magnetic stimulation (a method that uses magnetic fields to stimulate specific brain areas). This combination aims to modulate brain responses associated with addiction, offering a novel approach compared to traditional therapies.13589
What is the purpose of this trial?
The goal of this clinical study is to test the effectiveness of a supplemental fMRI neurofeedback and/or TMS intervention in individuals seeking treatment for Alcohol Use Disorder.After an initial visit, participants will come in once a week for four (4) weeks for an intervention session, which may or may not include TMS and MRI. Participants will be contacted for monthly follow-ups (remotely) for up to 12 months and will be asked to come in for two MRI follow-ups at 6 and 12 months.
Research Team
Samantha J Fede, PhD
Principal Investigator
Auburn University
Eligibility Criteria
This trial is for adults aged 19-65 who are currently receiving treatment for Alcohol Use Disorder. It's not suitable for those with significant head injuries, claustrophobia that prevents MRI scans, neurological diseases, seizure history, certain metal implants or body metal including facial tattoos, medications lowering seizure threshold, active alcohol withdrawal symptoms, hearing loss worsened by MRI/TMS or a family history of schizophrenia.Inclusion Criteria
Exclusion Criteria
Timeline
Screening
Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial
Treatment
Participants receive weekly intervention sessions for four weeks, which may include TMS and MRI
Follow-up
Participants are monitored monthly for up to 12 months with remote follow-ups and in-person MRI follow-ups at 6 and 12 months
Treatment Details
Interventions
- Realtime fMRI Neurofeedback - Active
- Realtime fMRI Neurofeedback - Yoked Sham
- TMS - Active
- TMS - Sham
Find a Clinic Near You
Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?
Auburn University
Lead Sponsor
National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA)
Collaborator