Could zapping the brain curb gambling addiction?

NCT ID NCT07228182

First seen Jun 24, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026 · Updated 1 time

Summary

This study tests whether high-intensity brain stimulation (HI-tACS) can help people with gambling disorder. Researchers will give 60 adults either real or fake stimulation to see if it reduces gambling urges and improves thinking. Participants are followed for three months to check lasting effects.

What this could mean

Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.

Active substance

High-intensity transcranial alternating current stimulation (HI-tACS)

What this could lead to

If it works, this could point toward a non-drug treatment for gambling disorder by improving brain function.

What could go wrong

This is an early study with only 60 people, so results may not apply widely. The stimulation may cause discomfort or not reduce gambling symptoms.

Disclaimer Read more

This is a summary of the original study . Summaries may miss details or leave out important information. Before applying or accepting participation, make sure you have read and understood the full study. Curemydisease.com takes no responsibility whatsoever for anything missed, misunderstood, or acted upon as a result of our summary — we know it does not capture everything.

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Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

pathological gambling

As listed by the trial registrant

The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.

Contacts and locations

Study contacts

  • Contact

    Phone: •••-•••-•••• Email: •••••@•••••

Locations

  • Shanghai Mental Health Center

    RECRUITING

    Shanghai, China

    Contact Phone: •••-•••-•••• Email: •••••@•••••