Effects of Repeated Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (rTMS) on the Treatment of Cocaine Addicted Patients

Efeitos da Estimulacao Magnetica Transcrania de Repeticao ( EMTr) no Tratamento da Dependencia ao Uso de Cocaina

Cocaine addiction is a serious disease. Nowadays we still have no efficient method reducing craving and extending the abstinence period of this patients during treatment.

The aim of this study is to evaluate reduction if craving and other parameters related to addiction within this group of patients through a treatment with transcranial magnetic stimulation.

Patients are going to submitted do a course of rTMS of one month, each session up to 15 minutes.

After the rTMS they are going to be offered cognitive therapy to prevent relapse.

The area stimulated is the dorso-lateral prefrontal cortex. This technique was employed in previous studies and the risks are insignificant.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Minimum age of 18
• Maximum age of 40
• Diagnostic of Cocaine addiction
• Willingly participate the study

Exclusion Criteria:

• Metallic Cerebral Implant
• History of Severe Brain trauma or injury
• Organic Brain Disease
• Severe Somatic Disease
• History of other actual or past psychiatric diagnostics