The purpose of this research is to evaluate the efficacy of multiple sessions of theta-gamma cross-frequency transcranial alternating current stimulation in patients with methamphetamine (MA) use disorders.
Previous evidence suggests that different aspects of cognitive function are associated with activities of distinct EEG frequency bands. Gamma oscillatory has been found in clinical studies to reflect the processing of rewards in patients with drug dependence, whereas medial prefrontal theta oscillatory characterizes prefrontal response inhibition capacity to downstream reward arousal. Interestingly, impaired response inhibition or impaired evaluation of rewards in patients with drug dependence have been found to correlate with the arousal of psychological craving and the emergence of relapse. Here we aim to find causal evidence supporting these previous correlational findings by applying cross-frequency transcranial alternating current stimulation (tACS) in the specific frequency bands (theta-gamma) previously shown to be addiction-relevant. In a randomized control clinical trial design, we stimulate subjects with either theta-gamma or sham tACS. Electroencephalography will be collected before and after each treatment session. Besides, the scale and behavior task data will also collected before and after the treatment.
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Purpose
TREATMENT
Masking
DOUBLE
Enrollment
32
Stimulation will be delivered via the Neuroelectrics Starstim 32 transcranial electric stimulation device, an investigational electrical non-invasive brain stimulation device that is being used for clinical and translational research.
Wuhan Compulsory Rehabilitation Center
Wuhan, China
RECRUITINGChange of Craving assessed by Visual Analog Scale
evaluate all participants' craving for for methamphetamine assessed by Visual Analog Scales (VAS). Score of VAS range from 0 to 10, and higher values represent high level of craving.
Time frame: baseline，0-2 days after treatment，1 months after treatment, 3 months after treatment
Depression status assessed by Beck Depression Inventory (BDI)
The reduction rate in the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) scores was calculated before and after the treatment to evaluate the rate of reduction in their levels of depression.
Time frame: baseline，0-2 days after treatment，1 months after treatment, 3 months after treatment
Anxiety status assessed by Beck Anxiety Inventory (BAI)
The reduction rate in the Beck Anxiety Inventory (BAI) scores was calculated before and after treatment to assess the rate of decrease in anxiety levels among MA dependents.
Time frame: baseline，0-2 days after treatment，1 months after treatment, 3 months after treatment
Sleep Quality Assessment
Sleep Quality is assessed by the scores of Insomnia Severity Index(ISI) and Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index(PSQI).
Time frame: baseline，0-2 days after treatment，1 months after treatment, 3 months after treatment
Brain oscillations
Assessed by Resting EEG task under the electroencephalogram recording to extract alpha, beta, theta, and gamma band energy.
Time frame: baseline，within 30 minutes before and after each session of treatment
Reward learning
Learning rate and the sensitivity to rewards assessed by Monetary reinforcement learning task under the electroencephalogram recording, and the results will be derived from modeling.
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Time frame: baseline，0-2 days after treatment, 3 months after treatment
Spatial working memory
Working memory capacity is assessed by Spatial working memory under the electroencephalogram recording. The indicator is the correctness and response time.
Time frame: baseline，0-2 days after treatment, 3 months after treatment