Cumulative effects of transcranial direct current stimulation on meth craving

Evaluating long-term therapeutic effects of transcranial direct current stimulation with most efficient montage over the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex targeting craving in methamphetamine abusers; Two Consecutive Randomized Clinical Trials

Status

Active, not recruiting

Phases

Phase 3

Study type

Interventional

Source

IRCT

Registry ID

IRCT2014031611234N2

Enrollment

180

Registered

2015-01-27

Start date

2015-04-21

Completion date

Unknown

Last updated

2018-02-22

For informational purposes only — not medical advice. Sourced from public registries and may not reflect the latest updates. Terms

Conditions

Methamphetamine dependency. Dependence syndrom, Mental and behavioural disorders due to use of other stimulants, including methamphethamine

Interventions

Intervention 1: Direct current is delivered from a battery-driven, constant current stimulator (ActivaDoseII. Iontophoresis Delivery Unit, P/N00148-Rev A, ActivaTek, Inc. Salt Lake City UT 84119 USA)

5. Left and right anode, cathode extra-cephalic), and the control group will receive sham stimulation. The tDCS Protocol for all groups will be 2mA during 20 minutes. The Immediate and cue induced cra

Direct current is delivered from a battery-driven, constant current stimulator (ActivaDoseII. Iontophoresis Delivery Unit, P/N00148-Rev A, ActivaTek, Inc. Salt Lake City UT 84119 USA) and transferred

In this study, control group will receive sham transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS). For sham stimulation, the anode and cathode electrodes will have same position with the one of the interv

Eligibility

Sex/Gender

Male

Age

18 Years to 50 Years

Inclusion criteria

Inclusion criteria: Inclusion criteria are: (1) the methamphetamine dependents being referred for treatment to Vardij Therapeutic Community Residential Center which is a specialized center for stimulants; (2) a history of at least 12 months of meth dependence (moderate or severe) based on DSM-V criteria before receiving treatment; (3) Being in the age range of 18-50; (4) being abstinence from any drugs except cigarettes, for at least a week prior to the experiment, confirmed by urine analysis inside the residential centre; (5) A history of meth using at least 6 days a week in the month before entering the treatment. (6) Being able to provide informed, written consent. Exclusion criteria include: (1) any current major psychiatric disorders (2) Moderate to severe traumatic brain injury with evidence of neurological deficits, neurological disorders, or severe or unstable medical conditions that might be compromised by participation in the study; (3) having intracranial metal implantation.

Exclusion criteria

Exclusion criteria:

Design outcomes

Primary

Measure	Time frame
Immediate meth craving. Timepoint: Pre & Post brain stimulation. Method of measurement: visual-analogue scale(VAS).;Basic meth craving. Timepoint: Pre & Post brain stimulation. Method of measurement: Desires for Drug Questionnaire Adapted for Meth (DDQ).;Cue-induced craving. Timepoint: Pre & Post brain stimulation. Method of measurement: Computerized cue-induced craving assessment task (CICT).	—

Secondary

Measure	Time frame
Mood state. Timepoint: Pre and Post brain stimulation. Method of measurement: Positive and Negative Affect (PANAS) questionnaire.	—

Countries

Iran (Islamic Republic of)

Contacts

Public ContactAlireza Shahbabaie

Institute for Cognitive Sciences Studies (ICSS)

Shahbabaie.ar@gmail.com+98 21 6658 1505

Outcome results

None listed

Source: IRCT (via WHO ICTRP) · Data processed: Feb 4, 2026