Closed-loop tTIS Targeted of the Nac as an Intervention for MUD Patients

Closed-loop Transcranial Temporal Interference Stimulation Targeted of the Nucleus Accumbens as an Intervention for Methamphetamine Use Disorder Patients

Closed-loop transcranial temporal interference stimulation (tTIS) targeting the nucleus accumbens may modulate abnormal neural responses to drug-related cues in individuals with methamphetamine use disorder (MUD), thereby reducing drug craving and improving cognitive and behavioral control. Stimulation will be delivered in real time according to each patient's cue-induced response time.

This project will recruit individuals with methamphetamine use disorder. Participants will receive closed-loop transcranial temporal interference stimulation targeting the nucleus accumbens once daily for five consecutive days. During each intervention session, participants will be exposed to methamphetamine-related cues, and stimulation will be triggered according to their response time.

Before and after the intervention, clinical questionnaires and behavioral tasks will be administered to evaluate changes in drug craving, methamphetamine-use-related symptoms, inhibitory control, and reward-related decision-making. Cue-induced neural responses will also be assessed to investigate the neural mechanisms through which closed-loop tTIS targeting the nucleus accumbens may alleviate craving and improve addiction-related cognitive and behavioral dysfunction.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Individuals aged between 18 and 55 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 cTBS, such as a history of epileptic seizures or the presence of metallic implants in proximity to the head.