Brain zaps may curb stimulant cravings and lift depression
NCT ID NCT06424184
First seen Aug 24, 2026 · Last updated Aug 25, 2026 · Updated 1 time
Summary
This trial tests whether an accelerated course of repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) can help people who have both depression and stimulant use disorder (such as cocaine or methamphetamine). Participants receive up to 50 short sessions of brain stimulation over three weeks. The study aims to see if this approach is feasible and whether it reduces stimulant use and cravings.
What this could mean
Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only, not medical advice or a prediction.
- Active substance
- Accelerated repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) using intermittent theta burst stimulation (iTBS)
- What this could lead to
- If it works, this could offer a new, non-drug treatment option that helps people with both depression and stimulant use disorder reduce their stimulant use and improve mood.
- What could go wrong
- This is a small early-stage feasibility trial, so results may not apply broadly. The treatment is intensive (up to 50 sessions in 3 weeks) and may not be practical or effective for everyone.
This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.
Study facts
What this study's own registry entry says, in plain language.
- Phase
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Not a phased trial
Phase numbers describe drug development. The registry uses this when they do not apply, as it does for trials of devices, procedures or behaviour changes, and for observational studies.
- Participants
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About 40 people
The number the study aims to enrol. It can still change while the study runs.
- Started
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Jun 2024
- Expected to finish
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Jun 2027
An estimate. End dates often move.
- Lead sponsor
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Other sponsor
The registry's catch-all category, for sponsors it does not file as a company, a government agency, or a research network.
Who can take part
This study's own entry requirements. Only the study team can say for certain whether you qualify.
- Ages
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18 to 65 years
- Sex
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Anyone
- Healthy volunteers
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Not accepted
This study is not open to healthy volunteers. The entry requirements below say who it is open to.
Show the full entry requirements Hide the full entry requirements
Copied word for word from the study's registry entry, so the wording is the study team's rather than ours.
Inclusion Criteria: 1. Be aged 18-65 years, inclusive. 2. Be able to sufficiently understand, speak, and read English to provide informed consent and ask relevant questions, and be willing to comply with all study procedure instructions. 3. Self-report stimulant use (cocaine, methamphetamine, or prescription stimulants) at least 10 days in the 30-day period prior to consent. 4. Have a diagnosis of moderate or severe Cocaine or Methamphetamine Use Disorder (CUD/MUD) or other Stimulant Use Disorder over the past 12 months (as determined by the MINI International Neuropsychiatric Interview). 5. Have a PHQ9 of greater than or equal to five (5). 6. Be willing to provide urine samples, EEGs, and ECGs. 7. Be willing to use appropriate birth control method during the treatment phase of the study, if individual is of childbearing potential. Exclusion Criteria: 1. Have a current pattern of alcohol, benzodiazepine, or other sedative/hypnotic use that would preclude safe participation in the study, as determined by the PI or their designee. 2. Have a history of a serious medical disorder that, in the opinion of the PI or their designee, would make it unsafe to participate in the study or may prevent collection of study data (e.g., disabling terminal diagnosis for which hospice care is being sought; serious illness requiring systemic treatment and/or hospitalization until participant either completes therapy and/or is clinically stable on therapy, in the opinion of the PI or their designee, prior to study entry). 3. Have a documented history of unprovoked seizure (lifetime) or any seizure in the past 6 months. 4. Have a documented history of brain lesion(s) and/or tumor(s). 5. Have metal implants or non-removable metal objects above the neck. 6. Current pregnancy as determined by a urine screening. 7. Current or lifetime manic or hypomanic episode, defined by MINI diagnostic interview. 8. Current psychotic disorder. 9. Are a prisoner or in police custody at the time of eligibility screening.
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Conditions
The condition(s) this trial relates to.
As listed by the trial registrant
The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.
How to take part
Only the study team decides who joins. These are the ways to reach them.
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The places running it
1 site. The list below names each one and where it is.
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The official record
ClinicalTrials.gov lists the study team's own contact details, including names and phone numbers. We don't republish those.
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A doctor treating you
A doctor who knows your case can contact a study site on your behalf, and can tell you whether this study is worth pursuing at all.
Contacts and locations
Locations
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UT Southwestern Medical Center
RECRUITINGDallas, Texas, 75247, United States
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- Can brain activity reveal why some people with depression lose motivation and pleasure?
- A brain stimulation trial aims to rewire the circuit behind depression