Targeting Fronto-Striatal Neural Circuitry Using Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation to Reduce Irritability

Running, not enrolling · Not applicable

Conditions studied: Irritability, Mental Health

In brief

This pilor study will use repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (rTMS) as a noninvasive circuit-based neural modulation to test frontostriatal circuitry as a potential target to reduce irritability.

Key facts

Study ID

NCT07678060

Run by

Yale University

People needed

20

Starts

2024-09-01

Expected to finish

2026-08-01

Last updated by the study team

2026-07-01

Who can join

Age: 18 and older, up to 25. Sex: any. Healthy volunteers: not accepted.

You may qualify if…

• able to give informed consent in English
• elevated levels of irritability, defined as scoring ≥5 on the Affective Reactivity Index (ARI)
• Absence of cognitive impairment. Must have an IQ equivalent of ≥ 70 on the WASI
• Absence of MRI or TMS contraindications

You may not qualify if…

• History of any neurological disorder that would increase seizure risk from rTMS such as stroke, brain lesions, previous neurosurgery, any history of seizure or fainting episode of unknown cause, or head trauma resulting in loss of consciousness, lasting over 30 minutes or with sequela lasting longer than one month.
• First-degree family history of any neurological disorder with a potentially hereditary basis, including epilepsy or multiple sclerosis.
• Cardiac pacemakers, neural stimulators, implantable defibrillator, implanted medication pumps or sensors, intracardiac lines, or acute, unstable cardiac disease, with intracranial implants (e.g. aneurysm clips, shunts, stimulators, cochlear implants, or electrodes) or any other metal object in the body that precludes rTMS or MRI administration.
• Current use of any investigational drug or of anti or pro-convulsive action.
• Use of benzodiazepines.
• Lifetime history of schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, mania, autism spectrum disorder, intellectual disability, hypomania, or post-traumatic stress disorder.
• History of myocardial infarction, angina, congestive heart failure, cardiomyopathy, stroke or transient ischemic attack.
• Participation in any TMS session less than 2 weeks prior to admission. (No TMS exposure for treatment purposes in the last 6 months.)
• History or current substance use disorder, excluding cannabis use disorder.
• Major medical illnesses.
• An acute risk of hurting themselves or others.
• Pregnant or lactating women.
• Participant-reported history of severe claustrophobia.
• Excessive weight beyond the MRI limit (> 450 lbs)

Where it is running

• Hartford Healthcare — Hartford, Connecticut, United States

Full record on ClinicalTrials.gov

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