Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation for Antisocial Personality Disorder
What You Need to Know Before You Apply
What is the purpose of this trial?
This clinical trial will examine whether transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS), a noninvasive form of brain stimulation, can influence social cognition, cognitive processing, and brain function in adults with elevated psychopathic traits. The study will also evaluate the safety and feasibility of delivering TMS in this population.
Participants will be randomly assigned to receive either active TMS or sham (placebo-like) TMS. The study will compare outcomes between participants receiving active versus sham TMS and will evaluate changes from before to after TMS exposure.
Participants will:
* Complete a baseline magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) brain scan.
* Receive three single-session TMS interventions.
* Complete a post-intervention MRI brain scan.
* Complete assessments of social cognition.
* Complete assessments of cognitive processing.
The primary objectives are to determine whether TMS can influence social cognition, cognitive processing, and functional brain organization and connectivity in adults with elevated psychopathic traits.
Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?
This trial is for adults with high levels of psychopathic traits or antisocial personality disorder. Participants should be able to safely undergo MRI scans and TMS, and must not have conditions that would make these procedures unsafe.Inclusion Criteria
Exclusion Criteria
Timeline for a Trial Participant
Screening
Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial
Baseline Assessment
Participants complete a baseline MRI brain scan and assessments of social cognition and cognitive processing
Treatment
Participants receive three single-session TMS interventions, either active or sham
Post-intervention Assessment
Participants complete a post-intervention MRI brain scan and assessments of social cognition and cognitive processing
Follow-up
Participants are monitored for safety and effectiveness after treatment
What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?
Interventions
- continuous theta burst stimulation (cTBS)
- Intermittent theta burst stimulation (iTBS)
Trial Overview
The study tests whether transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS)—using two types called cTBS and iTBS—can affect thinking skills, social understanding, and brain function compared to a sham (inactive) treatment. Participants are randomly assigned to one of the groups.
How Is the Trial Designed?
3
Treatment groups
Active Control
Placebo Group
Subjects in this group will receive active continuous theta burst stimulation (cTBS) to the individually defined region of the dlPFC and sham to the TPJ.
Subjects in this group will receive active intermittent theta burst stimulation to the individually defined region of the TPJ and sham to the dlPFC.
Subjects in this group will receive sham stimulation to the dlPFC and TPJ.
Find a Clinic Near You
Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?
University of Colorado, Denver
Lead Sponsor
National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH)
Collaborator
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