Abstract #59: Modulating Inhibitory Control Networks in Gambling Disorder with Theta Burst Stimulation

Gambling Disorder (GD) is an impulsive-compulsive disorder characterized by unsuccessful efforts to reduce or stop gambling despite negative outcomes. Deficits in inhibitory control of gambling impulses represents a core symptom dimension of the disorder and the pre-supplementary motor area is thought to be a key node of inhibitory control networks. Although the pathophysiology of GD is not well understood, studies have shown altered brain activity in prefrontal regions (including pre-SMA) of GD patients during response inhibition tasks (Stop Signal Task SST) in addition to functional connectivity abnormalities of SMA during rest. These circuit-level abnormalities represent a potential therapeutic target that could be modulated by brain stimulation therapies such as transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS). Theta burst stimulation (TBS), is a particularly brief and effective form of TMS that can be inhibitory (cTBS) or excitatory (iTBS).