Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation of the Prefrontal Cortex: Effects on Risky Decision Making and Temporal Discounting.

Not Applicable

Withdrawn

• Conditions: Decision Making

• Registration Number: NCT01098864
• Lead Sponsor: University of Arkansas

Brief Summary

The main objective of this study is to examine the effects of magnetic stimulation on the prefrontal cortex. We plan to use low frequency, repeated transcranial magnetic stimulation (1 Hz rTMS) to temporarily inhibit activity in the prefrontal cortex and measure the resulting effect on two decision-making tasks. The prefrontal cortex is thought to mediate or control cognitive functions like decision-making, planning, memory, and inhibit impulsive behavior.Previous research has indicated that rTMS over the right dorsal lateral prefrontal cortex will lead to preferences for riskier alternatives. Our hypothesis is that rTMS over the right DLPFC will lead to greater preference for the riskier alternative and greater temporal discounting.

Detailed Description

Not available

Study Timeline

• Study First Submitted: 2010-01-19
• Study First Submitted QC: 2010-04-02
• Study First Posted: 2010-04-05
• Study Start: 2011-05
• Primary Completion: 2014-01
• Study Completion: 2014-01
• Status Verified: 2015-03
• Last Update Submitted: 2015-03-03
• Last Update Posted: 2015-03-04

Recruitment & Eligibility

• Status: WITHDRAWN
• Sex: All
• Target Recruitment: Not specified

Inclusion Criteria

• Healthy participants willing to give informed consent to participate
• complete the Transcranial magnetic stimulation Adult Safety Screen
• have a MRI scan
• wear ear plugs during rTMS
• receive rTMS over the designated course of days
• complete cognitive assessments and decision making tasks.
• return for post-testing on all tasks after completing all rTMS sessions

Exclusion Criteria

• Diagnosed neurological and/or psychiatric disorders requiring hospitalization or medication
• pregnancy or the possibility of pregnancy at the time of consent
• a history of tinnitus
• metal implants in head or neck or a pacemaker
• poorly-controlled migraines
• a history of head injury, stroke, previous brain neurosurgery, or loss of consciousness due to head injury lasting greater than 10 minutes
• a personal or family history of epilepsy or seizures

Study & Design

• Study Type: INTERVENTIONAL
• Study Design: SINGLE_GROUP

Primary Outcome Measures

Name	Time	Method
The k metric of a hyperbolic function for delayed discounting	12-18 weeks