MedPath

Closed-loop tACS Modulation for the Core Clinical Features of Drug Addiction

Not Applicable
Not yet recruiting
Conditions
Amphetamine Use Disorders
Interventions
Device: Closed-loop tACS stimulation based on addiction-induced states
Registration Number
NCT06454474
Lead Sponsor
Shanghai Mental Health Center
Brief Summary

Using specific EEG biomarkers in methamphetamine-dependent individuals, this study systematically probes the effect of closed-loop tACS based on brain states

Detailed Description

The current study delineates a robust correlation between prefrontal cortex EEG signals and the psychological craving associated with methamphetamine usage. Dependents exhibit heightened β oscillation energy in the MPFC region and diminished γ oscillation energy across the DLPFC-MPFC region. Previously, through the implementation of rTMS interventions on the left DLPFC, the investigators have successfully reduced the craving levels in users when exposed to relevant cues, coupled with observed decreases in β oscillation energy and increases in γ oscillation energy in the MPFC region. This indicates that both β and γ oscillation energies are instrumental in representing the involvement of MPFC and DLPFC during craving episodes, and neuromodulatory technologies can modulate these energy levels, consequently reducing cravings. Furthermore, the investigators identified a significant augmentation in the theta energy in the occipital lobe when MA dependents are confronted with drug-related cue imagery, signifying a potential crucial neural marker for addiction-induced brain activity. Therefore, the investigators intend to employ the non-invasive transcranial alternating current stimulation (tACS) technique, predicated upon biomarkers of addiction states, to administer specific frequency stimulations to targeted brain regions, aiming to achieve therapeutic objectives in addiction treatment.

Recruitment & Eligibility

Status
NOT_YET_RECRUITING
Sex
All
Target Recruitment
30
Inclusion Criteria

Individuals aged between 18 and 45 years, irrespective of gender, having completed a minimum of 9 years of education and capable of effectively cooperating in questionnaire evaluations.

Meet the diagnostic criteria set forth by the DSM-V concerning the severity of amphetamine-type substance addiction.

A history of utilizing amphetamine-type substances for a duration not less than one year, with a frequency of use being at least once per week.

Consent to actively cooperate in the completion of subsequent follow-up assessments.

Exclusion Criteria

Severe cognitive functional impairments manifested through a history of head trauma, cerebrovascular diseases, epilepsy, etc., or usage of cognitive enhancement drugs in the past 6 months; an intellectual disability with an IQ score less than 70.

A diagnosis of schizophrenia or other severe mental illnesses as per the DSM-5 criteria.

Abuse or dependence on other psychoactive substances (excluding nicotine) within the past 5 years.

Severe organic diseases that might compromise study participation. Contraindications to tACS, such as a history of epileptic seizures or the presence of metallic implants in proximity to the head.

Study & Design

Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Study Design
SINGLE_GROUP
Arm && Interventions
GroupInterventionDescription
Closed-loop tACS stimulation based on addiction-induced statesClosed-loop tACS stimulation based on addiction-induced statesIn the initial phase of this study, participants will be subjected to individual closed-loop tACS interventions for ten-days intervals. Concurrently, they will be exposed to MA-related cue paradigms to induce brain addiction states, while scalp EEG signals are collected. Stimulation will be initiated only upon identifying specific neural signals associated with MA cues.
Primary Outcome Measures
NameTimeMethod
Change of Craving assessed by Visual Analog Scale (VAS)through study completion, an average of 1 month

The intensity of psychological craving in MA dependents was assessed using the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS), where individuals rated their cravings on a scale from 0 to 10, with higher scores indicating greater levels of craving. The VAS scores were utilized based on two conditions: during a resting state and when subjected to cue induction involving images associated with methamphetamine, serving as the criteria for evaluation.

Secondary Outcome Measures
NameTimeMethod
Depressionthrough study completion, an average of 1 monoth

The reduction rate in the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) scores was calculated before and after the intervention to evaluate the rate of reduction in their levels of depression.

Anxietythrough study completion, an average of 1 monoth

The reduction rate in the Beck Anxiety Inventory (BAI) scores was calculated before and after intervention to assess the rate of decrease in anxiety levels among MA dependents.

Stop-signal taskthrough study completion, an average of 1 monoth

The stop-signal task can indicate executive control capabilities by measuring Stop-signal reaction time, Stop-signal delays, Go-task reaction time, and Success and failure inhibition rates.

Addiction stroop taskthrough study completion, an average of 1 month

By testing reaction time and rate of correct response to detect multiple cognitive abilities such as attention selection, processing speed, executive functions, and cognitive inhibition by testing reaction time and correct response rate.

Changes of electroencephalogram power spectrumthrough study completion, an average of 1 month

Resting-state EEG can be used to extract power spectra and electrode functional connectivity; on-task EEG can be used to isolate time-frequency features during non-stimulated trials to extract alpha, beta, theta, and gamma band energy of the parietal and occipital electrodes. Both can be used to assess changes in neural activity before, during, and after their restimulation.

Trial Locations

Locations (1)

Shanghai Mental Health Center

🇨🇳

Shanghai, Shanghai, Shanghai, China, 200000, China

© Copyright 2025. All Rights Reserved by MedPath