Magnetic stimulation in the treatment of Gambling disorder (MaGa)
Since the opening of the online gambling market in the Netherlands in 2021, the number of gamblers and people with gambling disorder (GD) has increased. Treatment of GD commonly consists of cognitive therapy, which is moderately effective. Consequently, not all people with GD seeking treatment currently benefit from treatment. New treatment modalities are therefore urgently needed. Neuromodulation of the brain through magnetic stimulation is a recently developed treatment technique that is effective in the treatment of several psychiatric conditions, including addictions. However, studies on neuromodulation in GD are still limited.
Objective
The aim of the current study is to investigate effectiveness of magnetic brain stimulation in GD, using state-of-the-art, innovative Theta Burst Stimulation, guided by brain neuro-imaging to optimize its effectiveness. The primary outcome measure is reducing gambling severity. Secondary outcome measures include gambling-related self-efficacy, quality of life, depression, and task-based risky decision making. We will also explore whether symptoms of depression and impulsivity, and task performance moderate magnetic brain stimulation effectiveness.
Approach
Adult patients with GD (n=70), applying for treatment in addiction care (Iriszorg or Novadic-Kentron), will be offered the possibility to participate in the current study and receive magnetic brain stimulation treatment, or a sham treatment, in a randomized controlled design.
Research partners
This project is a collaboration between researchers from 5 universities (Radboud University, Erasmus University, Gent University, Flinders University, Universitas Indonesia), Radboud MC, 2 centres for addiction care (Iriszorg en Novadic-Kentron) and a person with lived experience.
Expected results
The researchers anticipate that magnetic brain stimulation will reduce severity of gambling behavior in GD-patients compared to sham. Furthermore, they expect positive effects of magnetic brain stimulation on the secondary outcomes, including improved task performance.