Pathological Gambler Clinical Trial
Official title:
Study of the Effect of an Active rTMS Session in Pathological Gamblers: Impact on Craving and Severity of These Behaviors
The gambling problem is characterized by a loss of control and an excessive focus on the
gambling practice. Currently, the treatment of pathological gamblers is often complex and
multidimensional, it notably includes psychological techniques including cognitive
behavioral therapy and the use of psychotropic drugs.
In pathological gambling and addictions, craving (or urge to play) and loss of control are
two essential clinical elements. The neurobiological level, they are associated with a
dysfunction of dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC) (Goldstein et al, 2001, Volkow and
Goldstein, 2002).
One therapeutic avenues explored in addictions is repeated transcranial magnetic stimulation
(rTMS).
Patients included in this study will have:
- An anatomical brain MRI (30 minutes).
- Two 20 minute sessions of rTMS (placebo and active) of the left DLPFC, at the frequency
of 10 Hz.
- Visual Analogue Scale measuring their desire to gamble before and after a gambling
video and test measuring their gambling behavior during the last 7 days (PG-YBOCS).
- Cognitive tests, to be carried out on a computer before and immediately after rTMS
sessions.
- Recording heart rate variability (HRV) to measure the autonomic nervous system (ANS)
activity
As it is a pilot study, the investigators don't have sufficient data to calculate
statistical power and number of participants. The investigators based on previous studies
evaluating one rTMS session on craving in SUD and used a crossover design to generate
greater power.
;
Allocation: Randomized, Endpoint Classification: Efficacy Study, Intervention Model: Crossover Assignment, Masking: Double Blind (Subject, Caregiver, Investigator), Primary Purpose: Treatment
| Status | Clinical Trial | Phase | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Terminated |
NCT02549781 -
Environmental Influence on Gambling Behavior
|
N/A |