Overview
To investigate the mechanism and efficacy of a novel repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) intervention model with paired frontopolar cortex (FPC) -cerebellar pulses on episodic methamphetamine use in patients on methadone maintenance treatment and to develop a novel physiotherapeutic intervention to optimise the treatment and management of addicted patients.
Description
Numerous studies have shown that impaired FPC-cerebellar functional connectivity leads to impaired social preferences and behavioural flexibility and more persistent drug use in addicts. Cerebellar and FPC paired-pulse rTMS interventions may enhance functional connectivity, effectively modulate cerebellar-prefrontal loops, reduce craving, improve cognitive flexibility, and reduce relapse risk. The aim of this project is to explore the mechanism and efficacy of a novel FPC-cerebellar paired-pulse rTMS intervention model on occasional methamphetamine use in methadone maintenance patients, to develop novel physiotherapy interventions, and to optimise the treatment and management of addicted patients.
Eligibility
Inclusion Criteria:
- Individuals aged between 18 and 60 years, irrespective of gender, having completed a
minimum of 9 years of education and capable of effectively cooperating in
questionnaire evaluations.
- Meet the diagnostic criteria set forth by the DSM-V concerning the amphetamine-type substance addiction.
- A history of utilizing amphetamine-type substances for a duration not less than one year, with a frequency of use being at least once per week.
- Consent to actively cooperate in the completion of subsequent follow-up assessments.
Exclusion Criteria:
- Severe cognitive functional impairments manifested through a history of head trauma,
cerebrovascular diseases, epilepsy, etc., or usage of cognitive enhancement drugs in
the past 6 months; an intellectual disability with an IQ score less than 70.
- A diagnosis of schizophrenia or other severe mental illnesses as per the DSM-5 criteria.
- Abuse or dependence on other psychoactive substances (excluding nicotine) within the past 5 years.
- Severe organic diseases that might compromise study participation.
- Contraindications to rTMS, such as a history of epileptic seizures or the presence of metallic implants in proximity to the head.