rTMS for Stimulant Addiction
(VA-StARTS Trial)
Trial Summary
What is the purpose of this trial?
This trial is testing rTMS, a treatment that uses magnetic fields to stimulate brain cells, on Veterans with stimulant use disorder. The goal is to see if rTMS can help reduce cravings and improve control over substance use. Repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) has been used to reduce craving in different substance use disorders, including alcohol, nicotine, and illicit drugs.
Will I have to stop taking my current medications?
The trial requires that your medication regimen remains stable, meaning you should not change the dose or type of medications you are taking from two weeks before the study starts and throughout the treatment phase. However, if you are on certain medications that lower the seizure threshold or are direct dopaminergic agents, you may need to stop those.
What data supports the effectiveness of the treatment rTMS for stimulant addiction?
Research suggests that repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) can reduce cravings for substances like tobacco, alcohol, and cocaine by stimulating specific brain areas. Studies indicate that high-frequency rTMS applied to the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex may help decrease substance use and cravings, making it a promising treatment for addiction.12345
Is repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) safe for humans?
Repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) is generally considered safe for humans, with safety guidelines established and updated over the years. It is a non-invasive brain stimulation method used in various conditions, including addiction, and has been shown to be relatively safe in clinical settings.45678
How is rTMS treatment different from other treatments for stimulant addiction?
Repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) is unique because it is a non-invasive brain stimulation technique that can change brain activity and connections, potentially reducing cravings and addictive behaviors without the need for medication. Unlike traditional treatments, rTMS targets specific brain areas to modulate neurotransmitter systems, which may help in treating stimulant addiction.125910
Research Team
Jong H. Yoon, MD
Principal Investigator
VA Palo Alto Health Care System, Palo Alto, CA
Eligibility Criteria
This trial is for Veterans with severe stimulant use disorder (SUD) who have not used stimulants for 1-6 weeks. Participants must be able to undergo cognitive tests, fMRI scans, and rTMS treatment without contraindications, have an IQ over 80, a stable medication regimen and living situation. Exclusions include incompatible implants or devices, unstable medical/psychiatric conditions, other active substance disorders (except PTSD), pregnancy/lactation, prior adverse reaction to TMS or medications lowering seizure threshold.Inclusion Criteria
Exclusion Criteria
Timeline
Screening
Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial
Treatment
Participants receive either active or sham repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) for stimulant use disorder
Follow-up
Participants are monitored for relapse rate, occupational functioning, and rest/activity cycles after rTMS treatment
Treatment Details
Interventions
- Repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS)
Repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) is already approved in United States, European Union, Canada for the following indications:
- Major depressive disorder
- Obsessive-compulsive disorder
- Migraine prevention
- Major depressive disorder
- Obsessive-compulsive disorder
- Major depressive disorder
- Obsessive-compulsive disorder
Find a Clinic Near You
Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?
VA Office of Research and Development
Lead Sponsor
Stanford University
Collaborator