In this research study, we are examining how brain activity (electrical and blood flow) changes during tests of emotional processing and attention and memory in the magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scanner. We are also using non-invasive brain stimulation to probe different parts of the brain and measuring brain activity (electrical and blood flow) alongside evidence-based cognitive behavioural therapy. This study includes healthy and clinical participants and researchers hope this will help us develop improved brain-based treatments for emotional difficulties like depression.

Patients with drug-resistant epilepsy often experience problems with mood, thinking, or behavior that cannot be explained by seizure activity alone. This study will examine how cognitive and mood-related brain regions communicate in patients undergoing routine intracranial electroencephalogram (iEEG) seizure assessment in the Epilepsy Monitoring Unit at the Medical University of South Carolina (MUSC). While the clinical electrodes are in place, we will apply brief single magnetic pulses (single-pulse transcranial magnetic stimulation, or spTMS) to the scalp in specific brain regions and record the brain's electrical response through the existing electrodes; no additional surgery is required. We will compare the responses to stimulation of an emotionally and cognitively relevant region (left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex) with a contrast site (primary motor cortex). We will also investigate whether momentary brain rhythms and seizure-related electrical activity affect responses propagation through the brain. The findings may help identify measurable brain signaling patterns ("biomarkers") to understand how cognitive-emotional brain networks work in people with epilepsy and inform future personalized non-invasive brain stimulation methods for treating neurological and psychiatric disorders.

This study systematically evaluates the efficacy of a highly promising neuromodulation strategy - continuous theta burst (cTBS) transcranial magnetic stimulation - as a tool to change alcohol use behavior (Aim 1) and neurobehavioral concomitants of that behavior (Aim 2) in non-treatment seeking individuals with alcohol use disorder (AUD). In addition, we can begin to test prediction of individual treatment response based on an electrocortical signature of sign tracking (exploratory aim). This study is a double-blind, active sham-controlled study in community dwelling, non-treatment seeking individuals who meet DSM 5 criteria for AUD. Participants will be randomized to one of three groups: cTBS to ventromedial prefrontal cortex, cTBS to pre-supplementary motor area, or sham stimulation (10 sessions in one day). Participants will undergo comprehensive outcomes assessment, with measures including pre- and immediately post-cTBS clinical assessments (e.g., interview, Timeline Follow-back), alcohol craving tests, structural and fMRI, MRS, and EEG/ERP during salience- and cognitive flexibility-related tasks. To test alcohol craving and also use in alcohol-available settings, participants will complete a bar-lab session post-cTBS only (to avoid potential habituation to alcohol cues within the laboratory setting). Finally at 1-week post-treatment participants will complete craving and Timeline Follow-back measures remotely via REDCap.

The purpose of this study is to better understand how ear stimulation techniques may impact how people think about themselves in social situations. The goal is to identify how the addition of ear stimulation can impact cognitive processes, including the ways that people think about themselves in social situations and attend to or process social information, that underly an activity known as "self-imagery rescripting." Eligible individuals who are between the ages of 18 and 65 years will complete a variety of activities after providing consent to study participation. These include: (1) completing questionnaires on the computer, (2) completing tasks similar to a video game on the computer, (3) having an electrode attached to their ear that will stimulate nerve activity, (4) completing an interview about how they feel in social situations, and (5) engaging in an activity during which they will be prompted about how they see themselves in social situations. Throughout these activities, participants also will be asked to wear a variety of sensors, bundled together in a cap for their head and individually on other parts of their body, that will collect information about brain activity, heart rate, and eye blinking. Participation in this research study is entirely voluntary and will last approximately 3 hours during a single session at the Medical University of South Carolina in Charleston. Participants will be compensated for their time.

There are some risks associated with this study. Some survey questions ask about personal thoughts and feelings. Ear stimulation may cause tingling sensations or irritation around the ear. Thinking and talking about how one sees themselves in social situations may be distressful.

There are no direct benefits to participants. This study will help researchers better understand how ear stimulation can improve the strategies that can help the way that people think about themselves in social situations.