Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation for Antisocial Personality Disorder

This trial explores whether transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS), which uses magnetic fields to stimulate brain areas, can enhance social thinking and brain function in adults with high levels of psychopathic traits. Participants will receive either the real TMS treatment—specifically continuous theta burst stimulation (cTBS) or intermittent theta burst stimulation (iTBS)—or a placebo version, and their results will be compared. Suitable candidates for this trial exhibit traits associated with psychopathy and have no major mental health conditions like schizophrenia or bipolar disorder.

As an unphased trial, this study provides a unique opportunity to contribute to groundbreaking research in understanding and potentially improving social cognition.

Yes, you must not change your psychiatric medication regimen for 4 weeks before the study, or you must be medication-free.

Research has shown that both continuous theta burst stimulation (cTBS) and intermittent theta burst stimulation (iTBS) are generally safe. Studies have found cTBS to be well-tolerated, with no major safety concerns, and it is considered safe for various groups, including those with mental health issues, without significant side effects.

For iTBS, research has identified it as a safe and practical treatment. It has been used in individuals with depression and personality disorders without major problems. Participants receiving iTBS have not reported serious side effects, making it a promising option for brain stimulation treatments.

Researchers are excited about using transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) for Antisocial Personality Disorder (ASPD) because it offers a non-invasive approach that targets brain regions involved in behavior control. Unlike current treatments like psychotherapy or medications that often take weeks or months to show effects, TMS can potentially produce quicker results by directly stimulating brain activity. Specifically, continuous theta burst stimulation (cTBS) and intermittent theta burst stimulation (iTBS) are being explored to see their effectiveness in modulating areas of the brain such as the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (dlPFC) and the temporoparietal junction (TPJ), which are believed to play crucial roles in impulse control and empathy. This offers a novel mechanism of action that could pave the way for new treatment avenues in managing ASPD.

Research has shown that transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) can enhance brain function. Specifically, two types of TMS, continuous theta burst stimulation (cTBS) and intermittent theta burst stimulation (iTBS), have demonstrated positive results. In this trial, participants will receive either active cTBS to the dlPFC with sham to the TPJ, active iTBS to the TPJ with sham to the dlPFC, or sham stimulation to both areas. Studies have found that cTBS is safe and effective for treating major depressive disorder, and it can also enhance cognitive skills and brain connectivity. Similarly, iTBS has improved cognitive function and reduced negative symptoms in individuals with schizophrenia. Evidence also indicates that iTBS can reduce cravings in those with substance use disorders. These findings suggest that TMS might enhance cognitive and social understanding in individuals with high levels of psychopathic traits.⁶⁷⁸⁹¹⁰