Actively Recruiting
The Effect of Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation of the Left Dorsolateral Prefrontal Cortex in Internet Gaming Disorder
Led by Jin-tao Zhang · Updated on 2024-10-15
35
Participants Needed
2
Research Sites
26 weeks
Total Duration
On this page
Sponsors
J
Jin-tao Zhang
Lead Sponsor
Z
Zi-Liang Wang, Medical Ethics Committee of Zhenjiang Mental Health Center
Collaborating Sponsor
AI-Summary
What this Trial Is About
Researchers are investigating how navigated repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) affects craving control in individuals with internet gaming disorder (IGD). The study aims to understand how stimulating the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC) may impact gaming cravings and the brain mechanisms involved in craving regulation. This research addresses a gap in understanding both the short-term and long-term effects of rTMS on IGD symptoms and brain activity. Participants will receive two types of interventions in a randomized crossover design: real intermittent theta-burst stimulation (iTBS) targeting the left DLPFC and a sham (placebo) rTMS session. Each session lasts about 10 minutes, separated by at least one week to prevent overlap effects. The study uses brain imaging to identify the exact DLPFC target for each participant and measures how these interventions influence cravings and related brain activity. During the study, participants will perform craving regulation tasks while undergoing brain scans after each intervention. Researchers will assess changes in craving scores, brain activity in areas linked to addiction, and functional brain connectivity. These evaluations include resting-state and task-related functional MRI scans. The total study duration spans about three weeks, allowing researchers to compare the effects of real and sham rTMS on cognitive and neural outcomes related to IGD.
CONDITIONS
Brief Title
The Effect of Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation for Internet Gaming Disorder
Who Can Participate
Eligibility Criteria
You may qualify if you...
- Diagnosis of internet gaming disorder according to DSM-V with a score of 50 or higher on a revised Young's online Internet addiction test
- Spend more than 50% of online time gaming
- Play one of these internet games: Arena of Valor, Genshine, LOL, or FPS
- Play internet games for over 20 hours per week for at least 1 year
- Aged between 18 and 30 years
You will not qualify if you...
- Current or past use of illegal substances or gambling
- Current or past psychiatric or neurological illness
- Current use of psychotropic medications
- Cognitive impairment as assessed by Mini-International Neuropsychiatric Interview
- Surgery, head trauma, or heart-related diseases in the past year
- History of epilepsy, seizures, or increased risk of seizures
- Metal implants or tattoos on the neck or head
- Claustrophobia
AI-Screening
AI-Powered Screening
Complete this quick 3-step screening to check your eligibility
Your Study Journey
Duration - 2 to 4 weeks
Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial.
1 visit (in-person)
Duration - 3 weeks
Participants receive two sessions of repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) targeting the left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC), including one real and one sham session in a randomized crossover design. During each session, participants perform a craving regulation task while clinical assessments and neuroimaging are conducted.
2 visits (in-person) with at least 1 week between sessions
Duration - Immediately after each intervention session up to 30 minutes
Participants undergo clinical and cognitive assessments, along with neuroimaging to evaluate short-term and potential cumulative effects of the rTMS interventions on craving and brain activity.
Assessments occur during each treatment visit
Trial Site Locations
Total: 2 locations
1
Medical Ethics Committee of Zhenjiang Mental Health Center
Zhenjiang, Jiangsu, China
Actively Recruiting
2
State Key Laboratory of Cognitive Neuroscience and Learning
Beijing, China
Actively Recruiting
Research Team
J
Jin-Tao Zhang, Phd
How is the study designed?
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Masking
DOUBLE
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Model
CROSSOVER
Primary Purpose
BASIC_SCIENCE
Number of Arms
2
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