Magnetic stimulation reduces compulsive behaviors
- Trial ID
- NCT06237868
- Official Title
- The Effects of High-Frequency Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation on Impulse Control Disorders in Parkinson's Disease Patients on Dopamine Replacement Therapy.
- Goal
- Magnetic stimulation reduces compulsive behaviors
- Phase
- NA
- Status
- RECRUITING
- Sponsor
- West Virginia University
- Study Type
- INTERVENTIONAL
- Enrollment
- 20 participants
- Conditions
- Impulse Control Disorder, Parkinson Disease
- Interventions
- rTMS Active, rTMS Sham
Summary For Families
The goal is to reduce impulse control problems like gambling, compulsive shopping, hypersexuality, punding, or dopamine dysregulation syndrome that can arise while on dopamine replacement therapy. The approach uses high-frequency repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation, sending repeated magnetic pulses to boost activity in frontal brain regions involved in self-control, such as the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex, with active stimulation compared to a sham procedure, and it does not change your levodopa or other dopamine meds. Adults 18 and older with clinician-confirmed Parkinson's who are on dopamine-replacement therapy and have clinician-diagnosed impulse control behaviors can enroll, provided they have mild or no depression (BDI ≤14), reasonable cognition (MoCA ≥20), and no seizure history, major psychiatric illness, significant brain lesions or recent TMS, pregnancy, intracranial metal, or medications that raise seizure risk.
Locations
- West Virginia University Hospitals, Morgantown, West Virginia, United States
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is this trial testing?
- This trial is studying rTMS Active. The goal is to reduce impulse control problems like gambling, compulsive shopping, hypersexuality, punding, or dopamine dysregulation syndrome that can arise while on dopamine replacement therapy. The approach uses high-frequency repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation, sending repeated magnetic pulses to boost activity in frontal brain regions involved in self-control, such as the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex, with active stimulation compared to a sham procedure, and it does not change your levodopa or other dopamine meds. Adults 18 and older with clinician-confirmed Parkinson's who are on dopamine-replacement therapy and have clinician-diagnosed impulse control behaviors can enroll, provided they have mild or no depression (BDI ≤14), reasonable cognition (MoCA ≥20), and no seizure history, major psychiatric illness, significant brain lesions or recent TMS, pregnancy, intracranial metal, or medications that raise seizure risk.
- Who can participate?
- Participants must be at least 18 Years.
- Where is this trial located?
- This trial is recruiting at 1 location.
- Does it cost anything to join?
- No. There is no cost to participate. Study-related care and treatment are provided at no charge.
- How long does the trial last?
- This trial is estimated to last approximately 3 years.
- Will I get the real drug or a placebo?
- It depends on the trial design. Some Parkinson's trials are placebo controlled, meaning a portion of participants get an inactive comparison while others get the experimental treatment. Some use crossover designs so everyone eventually receives the active treatment at some point. Observational trials do not use a placebo at all because they are not testing a new treatment. The consent form for any specific trial spells out the design and your odds of being assigned to placebo before you enroll.
- How often will I need to visit the study site?
- Visit frequency varies by trial. Many Parkinson's studies require an in person visit every 4 to 12 weeks during the active treatment phase, with shorter or longer gaps depending on the design. The site coordinator can give you the full visit schedule before you sign anything, so you know what the time commitment looks like.
- Can I leave the trial if I change my mind?
- Yes. You can withdraw from any clinical trial at any time, for any reason, without affecting your standard medical care. Trials are voluntary by law. The team may ask if you are willing to do a brief exit visit so they can collect safety information, but you are not obligated.
- Will travel or parking be reimbursed?
- Many trials reimburse for parking, mileage, and sometimes lodging if the site is far from your home. Reimbursement policies vary by sponsor and site. When you contact the trial team, ask specifically what is covered and how reimbursement is processed.
- Can my spouse or care partner come with me to visits?
- In most cases yes, and it is often encouraged. Care partners can help with notes, questions, and getting home safely after a long visit. Some study assessments do need to happen one on one, but care partners are usually welcome for the rest of the appointment.