Clinical Research Directory
Browse clinical research sites, groups, and studies.
Modification of Inhibitory Control and Craving Through Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation (tDCS) as an Add-On Treatment for Substance Use Disorder
Sponsor: Central Institute of Mental Health, Mannheim
Summary
The aim of this project is to investigate the potential of transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) to reduce cognitive deficits and substance craving in individuals with substance use disorders (SUD), with a focus on alcohol use disorder (AUD). Patients of any gender between the ages of 18 and 65 are examined who are in our inpatient and day clinic settings for a standard detoxification treatment program. As there are conflicting findings regarding the effective settings for tDCS as an adjunctive treatment in SUD (e.g., effects on inhibitory control seem to be sensitive to current direction), the aim is to examine and compare three different active tDCS conditions, a sham tDCS condition (placebo), inhibition training, and a control group of patients receiving only standard detoxification treatment. The aim is to identify the optimal electrode placement and current direction to positively influence both inhibitory control and craving, leading to improved treatment outcomes such as longer abstinence periods or reduced substance use after relapse.
Key Details
Gender
All
Age Range
18 Years - 65 Years
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Enrollment
162
Start Date
2024-09-23
Completion Date
2027-09-30
Last Updated
2025-06-04
Healthy Volunteers
No
Interventions
Transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS)
tDCS sessions on five consecutive days for 20 minutes.
Inhibition Training
Computerized Training of inhibitory control (Go-/No-Go task with pictures of preferred alcohol) on five consecutive days.
Locations (2)
Central Institute of Mental Health
Mannheim, Germany
Psychiatrisches Zentrum Nordbaden (Psychiatric Center Nordbaden)
Wiesloch, Germany