Study on the Effect of Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation on the Perception of Emotional Images

The Effect of TMS on Emotional Valence Evaluation of Aversive Pictures

The goal of the current clinical trial is to investigate whether transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) over specific brain areas can influence the perception of emotional images and emotional memory. TMS is a non-invasive superficial brain stimulation generated by a magnetic field. The results of the study aim to provide valuable insights for the use of TMS in the investigation of mental processes.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Generally healthy
• Normotensive (BP 90/60mmHg - 140/90mmHg)
• BMI: 18 - 30 kg/m2
• Fluent in speaking German

Exclusion Criteria:

• Metal in the head area (e.g., splinters, fragments, clips, etc.)
• Implanted neurostimulator (e.g., DBS, epidural/subdural, VNS)
• Cardiac pacemaker or intracardiac lines
• Medication infusion device
• Non removable metal piercings in the head area, pivot teeth (retainers are no exclusion criterion)
• Tattoos (head area) less than 3 months old or older than 20 years
• Condition after neurosurgery
• Hearing problems or tinnitus
• Not able to sit still due to tremor, tics, itching
• History of repeated syncope
• Head trauma diagnosed as concussion or associated with loss of consciousness
• diagnosis of epilepsy, or a convulsion or a seizure in the past of the participant or his/her close family (parents and siblings)
• TMS in the past showing problems
• Spinal or ventricular derivations
• Positive pregnancy test
• Alcohol intake 12 hours before TMS visits
• Regular intake of any medication (excluding oral contraceptives)
• CNS-active medication or illegal drugs 48h before TMS visits
• Individual's rMT above the limits of rTMS device
• Suicidal tendency as measured by Montgomery-Åsberg Depression Rating Scale (MADRS), item 10 > 0