MPFC Theta Burst Stimulation as a Treatment Tool for Alcohol Use Disorder: Effects on Drinking and Incentive Salience

Date Added
September 1st, 2020
PRO Number
Pro00102709
Researcher
Lisa McTeague

List of Studies


Keywords
Alcohol, Brain, Drug Studies, Psychiatry, Substance Use
Summary

The purpose of this study is to develop transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS), specifically TMS at a frequency known as theta burst stimulation (TBS), to see how it affects the brain and changes the brain's response to alcohol-related pictures. TMS and TBS are stimulation techniques that use magnetic pulses to temporarily excite specific brain areas in awake people (without the need for surgery, anesthetic, or other invasive procedures). TBS, which is a form of TMS, will be applied over the medial prefrontal cortex, (MPFC), which has been shown to be involved with drinking patterns and alcohol consumption. This study will test whether TBS can be used as an alternative tool to reduce the desire to use alcohol and reducing the brain's response to alcohol-related pictures.

Institution
MUSC
Recruitment Contact
Charleston Alcohol Research Center
(843) 792-1222
alcoholstudy@musc.edu

Evaluation of a Web-Based Tool for Alcohol Use Following Interpersonal Violence

Date Added
September 23rd, 2018
PRO Number
Pro00080368
Researcher
Christine Hahn

List of Studies


Keywords
Alcohol, Substance Use, Women's Health
Summary

The purpose of this study is to gather feedback to inform the development of a web-based tool that provides screening and education about alcohol use following interpersonal violence. People who have experienced sexual assault or domestic violence in the last year and drink alcohol, or are currently in treatment for alcohol use, will be asked to provide feedback about a web-based tool for alcohol use. 60-minute interviews will be conducted and will involve viewing the content of the web-based tool and providing feedback. Additionally, feedback given during interviews will be analyzed and then individuals who have used the web-based tool will complete a survey following the tool use if they report using substances. The tool will be tested for use with English and Spanish speakers.

Additionally, the web-based tool will be adapted for use among SMW and TGD survivors of sexual assault. Two areas of the original tool will be adapted: 1) psychoeducation and normative feedback will be made specific to SMW and TGD people's experiences, and 2) sexual and gender minority stress content will be added (i.e., information about sexual and gender-identity related stressors and their association with distress and alcohol use). We will gather feedback via qualitative interviews from 30 SMW and TGD survivors of sexual assault who report alcohol misuse or heavy drinking in the past month.

Institution
MUSC
Recruitment Contact
Christine Hahn
843-792-0259
hahnc@musc.edu



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