Determining the Optimal Pulse Protocol for TMS Induced Change in Reward Positivity
Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey
Summary
The primary goal will be to identify the optimal pulse protocol by systematically measuring the efficacy of various theta burst stimulation and repetitive rTMS protocols to increase and decrease the reward positivity in dependent smokers. The secondary objective will be to measure the protocols' effectiveness to increase decision-making capacity using the probabilistic selection task (PST). The third objective will be to specifically assess whether the TMS targets has a differential impact on state levels of craving relative to baseline (Tobacco Craving Questionnaire \[TCQ\]. The investigators plan to accomplish these three objectives using a randomized, controlled experiment involving 2 sessions.
Description
The design is primarily a randomized control-trial design (2 sessions), comparing the effects excitatory and inhibitory TMS protocols applied to a prefrontal TMS target on reward processing in smokers. Eligible smokers will be invited to attend two experimental sessions over a 1-month period, and asked to abstain from smoking 4 hrs prior to each session. For Sessions A and B, participants will be asked to provide their consent, CO levels and complete the TCQ. Compliance with the 4-hour abstinence period will be defined as breath CO less than 13 ppm. Participants will then be randomly selected…
Eligibility
- Age range
- 18–55 years
- Sex
- All
- Healthy volunteers
- No
Inclusion Criteria: 1. Nicotine dependent individuals (according to the Alcohol, Smoking and Substance Involvement Screening Test nicotine dependence score). 2. Be between the ages of 18 and 55 years old. 3. Not received substance abuse treatment within the previous 30 days. 4. Be in stable mental and physical health. 5. If female, test non-pregnant. 6. No evidence of focal or diffuse brain lesion on MRI. 7. Be willing to provide informed consent. 8. Be able to comply with protocol requirements and likely to complete all study procedures. Exclusion Criteria: 1. Contraindication to MRI (e.g.…
Interventions
- DeviceTranscranial Magnetic Stimulation
TMS will be delivered using a robotic neuronavigation system (Smartmove, ANT). Stimulation intensity will be standardized. Stimulation will be delivered to the L-DLPFC using a active/placebo figure-8 coil and a magventure TMS device.
Location
- Rutgers University - NewarkNewark, New Jersey