NCT03265015

Brief Summary

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.

Trial Health

87
On Track

Trial Health Score

Automated assessment based on enrollment pace, timeline, and geographic reach

Enrollment
78

participants targeted

Target at P50-P75 for not_applicable

Timeline
Completed

Started Sep 2017

Typical duration for not_applicable

Geographic Reach
1 country

1 active site

Status
completed

Health score is calculated from publicly available data and should be used for screening purposes only.

Trial Relationships

Click on a node to explore related trials.

Study Timeline

Key milestones and dates

First Submitted

Initial submission to the registry

August 18, 2017

Completed
11 days until next milestone

First Posted

Study publicly available on registry

August 29, 2017

Completed
17 days until next milestone

Study Start

First participant enrolled

September 15, 2017

Completed
2.5 years until next milestone

Primary Completion

Last participant's last visit for primary outcome

March 30, 2020

Completed
Same day until next milestone

Study Completion

Last participant's last visit for all outcomes

March 30, 2020

Completed
Last Updated

August 16, 2022

Status Verified

August 1, 2022

Enrollment Period

2.5 years

First QC Date

August 18, 2017

Last Update Submit

August 14, 2022

Conditions

Outcome Measures

Primary Outcomes (1)

  • functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging (fMRI)

    Brain activation in target region

    10-60min

Secondary Outcomes (8)

  • Effort to resist compulsive behaviors in response to laboratory triggers

    90min-1 week

  • Duration of compulsive behaviors in response to laboratory triggers

    90min-1 week

  • Intensity of urges to perform compulsive behaviors in response to laboratory triggers

    90min-1 week

  • Two-step task

    90min-1 week

  • Yale-Brown Obsessive Compulsive Scale (Y-BOCS)

    1 week

  • +3 more secondary outcomes

Study Arms (2)

cTBS

EXPERIMENTAL

Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation delivered in a continuous Theta Burst Stimulation (cTBS) pattern.

Behavioral: Habit Override PracticeOther: Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation

iTBS

ACTIVE COMPARATOR

Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation delivered in an intermittent Theta Burst Stimulation (iTBS) pattern.

Behavioral: Habit Override PracticeOther: Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation

Interventions

Computerized "brain training" to provide practice in overriding avoidance habits.

cTBSiTBS

Non-invasive method for temporary, focal stimulation of brain areas.

cTBSiTBS

Eligibility Criteria

Age18 Years - 55 Years
Sexall
Healthy VolunteersNo
Age GroupsAdult (18-64)

You may qualify if:

  • Participants will:
  • Be between the ages of 18 and 55 years
  • Endorse problematic compulsive behaviors, per self-report and clinician-administered measures.
  • Agree to video taping of structured clinical interview
  • Report that they will reside in the Pittsburgh area for at least 5 weeks

You may not qualify if:

  • Medical contraindications for Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS):
  • 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)
  • Recurrent seizures or epilepsy in participant or family history of hereditary epilepsy
  • Pregnancy
  • Metallic implants in body or other devices that may be affected by magnetic field
  • Significant heart disease or cerebrovascular disease
  • Medications with seizure threshold lowering potential, e.g., clomipramine, Monoamine Oxidase inhibitors (MAOi's), imipramine, clozapine
  • Acute suicidality or other psychiatric crises requiring treatment escalation
  • Changes made to treatment regimen within 4 weeks of baseline assessment
  • Reading level \<6th grade
  • 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)
  • Presence of movement disorder or tics affecting manual responses
  • Inability to read text from 2 feet away (corrective lenses allowed)

Contact the study team to confirm eligibility.

Sponsors & Collaborators

Study Sites (1)

Western Psychiatric Institute and Clinic

Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, 15213, United States

Location

Related Publications (1)

  • Brown VM, Gillan CM, Renard M, Kaskie R, Degutis M, Wears A, Siegle GJ, Ferrarelli F, Ahmari SE, Price RB. A double-blind study assessing the impact of orbitofrontal theta burst stimulation on goal-directed behavior. J Psychopathol Clin Sci. 2022 Apr;131(3):287-300. doi: 10.1037/abn0000733. Epub 2022 Feb 7.

MeSH Terms

Conditions

Compulsive BehaviorObsessive-Compulsive Disorder

Interventions

Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation

Condition Hierarchy (Ancestors)

Impulsive BehaviorBehaviorAnxiety DisordersMental Disorders

Intervention Hierarchy (Ancestors)

Magnetic Field TherapyTherapeutics

Study Design

Study Type
interventional
Phase
not applicable
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Masking
TRIPLE
Who Masked
PARTICIPANT, INVESTIGATOR, OUTCOMES ASSESSOR
Purpose
BASIC SCIENCE
Intervention Model
PARALLEL
Sponsor Type
OTHER
Responsible Party
PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR
PI Title
Assistant Professor of Psychiatry

Study Record Dates

First Submitted

August 18, 2017

First Posted

August 29, 2017

Study Start

September 15, 2017

Primary Completion

March 30, 2020

Study Completion

March 30, 2020

Last Updated

August 16, 2022

Record last verified: 2022-08

Data Sharing

IPD Sharing
Will share

We will comply with all National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) guidelines regarding data sharing and make use of NIMH databases.

Locations