Actively Recruiting
MPFC Theta Burst Stimulation as a Treatment Tool for Alcohol Use Disorder: Effects on Drinking and Incentive Salience
Led by Medical University of South Carolina · Updated on 2026-04-02
86
Participants Needed
1
Research Sites
286 weeks
Total Duration
On this page
Sponsors
M
Medical University of South Carolina
Lead Sponsor
N
National Institutes of Health (NIH)
Collaborating Sponsor
AI-Summary
What this Trial Is About
The purpose of this study is to develop transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS), specifically TMS at a frequency known as theta burst stimulation (TBS), to see how it affects the brain and changes the brain's response to alcohol-related pictures. TMS and TBS are stimulation techniques that use magnetic pulses to temporarily excite specific brain areas in awake people (without the need for surgery, anesthetic, or other invasive procedures). TBS, which is a form of TMS, will be applied over the medial prefrontal cortex, (MPFC), which has been shown to be involved with drinking patterns and alcohol consumption. This study will test whether TBS can be used as an alternative tool to reduce the desire to use alcohol and reducing the brain's response to alcohol-related pictures.
CONDITIONS
Official Title
MPFC Theta Burst Stimulation as a Treatment Tool for Alcohol Use Disorder: Effects on Drinking and Incentive Salience
Who Can Participate
Eligibility Criteria
You may qualify if you...
- Age 21 to 65 years
- Diagnosis of Alcohol Use Disorder according to DSM-V criteria using a structured clinical interview
- Consumed more than 14 drinks per week for women or more than 21 drinks per week for men, with at least 4 heavy drinking days per week during the 30 days before enrollment
- Able to read and understand questionnaires and provide informed consent
You will not qualify if you...
- Presence of metal implants above the neck
- Elevated risk of seizures, including history of seizures or medications that lower seizure threshold
- History of moderate to severe or medicated alcohol withdrawal
- History of claustrophobia
- History of chronic migraines
- History of traumatic brain injury including hospitalization, loss of consciousness over 10 minutes, or brain hemorrhage
- Unstable medical illness requiring planned medical or surgical treatment
- Currently taking or starting new medications known to improve alcohol treatment outcomes or psychiatric/sleep medications except stable antidepressants or SSRIs for at least 1 month
- History of substance use disorder other than nicotine in the past 6 months
- Diagnosis of panic disorder, bipolar disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder, schizophrenia, dissociative disorders, eating disorders, or other psychotic disorders
- Current suicidal or homicidal ideation
- Female participants who are pregnant, nursing, or not using reliable birth control if of childbearing potential
AI-Screening
AI-Powered Screening
Complete this quick 3-step screening to check your eligibility
Trial Site Locations
Total: 1 location
1
Medical University of South Carolina
Charleston, South Carolina, United States, 29401
Actively Recruiting
Research Team
L
Lisa M McTeague
CONTACT
R
Rhia Walton
CONTACT
How is the study designed?
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Masking
TRIPLE
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Model
PARALLEL
Primary Purpose
TREATMENT
Number of Arms
2
Not the Right Trial for You?
Explore thousands of other clinical trials that might be a better match.
Sign up to get personalized trial recommendations delivered to your inbox.
Already have an account? Log in here