Theta Burst Stimulation for Compulsive Behavior Non-invasive Brain Stimulation Study



Status:Recruiting
Conditions:Psychiatric
Therapuetic Areas:Psychiatry / Psychology
Healthy:No
Age Range:18 - 55
Updated:2/6/2019
Start Date:September 15, 2017
End Date:March 2020
Contact:Rebecca Price, PhD
Email:canlab@pitt.edu
Phone:4126486445

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Testing the Causal Role of Orbitofrontal Cortex in Human Compulsive Behavior: a Non-invasive Brain Stimulation Study

This project seeks to identify causal neural mechanisms underlying unwanted, repetitive
behaviors (compulsions). Using non-invasive brain stimulation coupled with practice in a
computer task, we will modulate activity in a target brain region in two directions (up or
down) and measure effects on compulsive behaviors and related measures. This work could
ultimately lead to the ability to treat compulsions more effectively by targeting the regions
of the brain that can help or hinder attempts to overcome compulsions.


Inclusion Criteria:

Participants will:

1. Be between the ages of 18 and 55 years

2. Endorse problematic compulsive behaviors, per self-report and clinician-administered
measures.

3. Agree to video taping of structured clinical interview

4. Report that they will reside in the Pittsburgh area for at least 5 weeks

Exclusion Criteria:

1. Failure to meet standard MRI inclusion criteria: those who endorse claustrophobia,
those who have cardiac pacemakers, neural pacemakers, surgical clips in the brain or
blood vessels, surgically implanted metal plates, screws or pins, cochlear implants,
implanted uterine devices, metal braces, or other metal objects in their body,
especially in the eye. Dental fillings do not present a problem. Plastic or removable
dental appliances do not require exclusion. History of significant injury or surgery
to the brain or spinal cord that would impair interpretation of results. Pregnancy,
determined by pregnancy tests on females.

2. Medical contraindications for Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS):

1. Presence of a neurologic disorder or medication therapy known to alter seizure
threshold (e.g., stroke, aneurysm, brain surgery, structural brain lesion, brain
injury, frequent/severe headaches)

2. Recurrent seizures or epilepsy in participant or family history of hereditary
epilepsy

3. Pregnancy

4. Metallic implants in body or other devices that may be affected by magnetic field

5. Significant heart disease or cerebrovascular disease

6. Medications with seizure threshold lowering potential, e.g., clomipramine,
Monoamine Oxidase inhibitors (MAOi's), imipramine, clozapine

3. Acute suicidality or other psychiatric crises requiring treatment escalation

4. Changes made to treatment regimen within 4 weeks of baseline assessment

5. Reading level <6th grade

6. Presence of bipolar, psychotic, autism spectrum, or substance use disorder (i.e.
current use of mood altering drugs such as cocaine, cannabis or marijuana, opiates,
amphetamines, and barbiturates)

7. Presence of movement disorder or tics affecting manual responses

8. Inability to read text from 2 feet away (corrective lenses allowed)
We found this trial at
1
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Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15213
Phone: 412-648-6445
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Pittsburgh, PA
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