Improving social cognition following theta burst stimulation over the right inferior frontal gyrus in autism spectrum: an 8-week double-blind sham-controlled trial
Journal
Psychological medicine
ISSN
0033-2917
Date Issued
2024
Author(s)
Ni, Hsing-Chang
Chen, Yi-Lung
Hsieh, Meng-Ying
Wu, Chen-Te
Chen, Rou-Shayn
Juan, Chi-Hung
Li, Cheng-Ta
Lin, Hsiang-Yuan
Abstract
BACKGROUND: The right inferior frontal gyrus (RIFG) is a potential beneficial brain stimulation target for autism. This randomized, double-blind, two-arm, parallel-group, sham-controlled clinical trial assessed the efficacy of intermittent theta burst stimulation (iTBS) over the RIFG in reducing autistic symptoms (NCT04987749). METHODS: Conducted at a single medical center, the trial enrolled 60 intellectually able autistic individuals (aged 8-30 years; 30 active iTBS). The intervention comprised 16 sessions (two stimulations per week for eight weeks) of neuro-navigated iTBS or sham over the RIFG. Fifty-seven participants (28 active) completed the intervention and assessments at Week 8 (the primary endpoint) and follow-up at Week 12. RESULTS: = 0.025). Post-hoc analysis showed that the active group improved better on this social cognition than the sham group. Dropout rates did not vary between groups; the most common adverse event in both groups was local pain. Notably, our findings would not survive stringent multiple comparison corrections. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings suggest that iTBS over the RIFG is not different from sham in reducing autistic symptoms and emotion dysregulation. Nonetheless, RIFG iTBS may improve social cognition of mentalizing others' feelings in autistic individuals.
Subjects
autism
right inferior frontal gyrus
theta burst stimulation
Type
journal article