Exploring brain stimulation to reduce PTSD symptoms
Official title: A Mechanistic Trial of the Neurobiology of Extinction Learning and Intraparietal Sulcus Stimulation
Run by University of Pennsylvania · NCT06234969 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is testing whether a type of brain stimulation can help reduce symptoms of arousal in people with PTSD during therapy.
Quick facts
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 18 Years to 60 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 120 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | University of Pennsylvania Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Philadelphia, Pennsylvania) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | April 29, 2024 |
| Main results expected | July 31, 2028 |
| Study ends | October 31, 2028 |
| Registry record updated | October 30, 2025 |
| Trial ID | NCT06234969 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Ideal candidates for this study are adults aged 18-60 who meet the DSM-5 criteria for PTSD and do not have any contraindications for brain stimulation.
✕Probably not a fit
Patients with conditions such as seizure disorders, pregnancy, or significant hearing loss may not benefit from this study.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
This clinical trial investigates the effects of continuous theta burst stimulation (cTBS) applied to the intraparietal sulcus (IPS) on arousal symptoms in patients with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). The study aims to demonstrate that cTBS can significantly reduce arousal, improve retention of extinction learning, and interact positively with extinction training. Participants will be compared between those receiving active cTBS and those receiving a sham treatment to assess the efficacy of this neuromodulation approach. The trial seeks to address the challenges faced by PTSD patients during exposure therapy by modulating their arousal levels.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could provide a novel treatment option for patients with PTSD, enhancing their ability to engage in exposure therapy.
How similar studies have gone: While this specific approach is novel, previous studies have shown promise in using brain stimulation techniques for treating PTSD and related conditions.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Adult aged 18-60 * Meets Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5) criteria for PTSD according to the Clinician-Administered PTSD Scale for DSM-5 * No metal implants Exclusion Criteria: * Pregnancy * Seizure disorder or epilepsy * Increased risk of seizure * Non-English speaking * Any medical condition that increases risk for fMRI or cTBS * Medical implant * Hearing loss sufficient to interfere with startle * Claustrophobia * Recent medication or therapy changes (in the past 8 weeks) * Current severe substance use disorder
Where it's running
-
Center for the Treatment and Study of Anxiety, University of Pennsylvania
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States Recruiting
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Lily A Brown, PhD — University of Pennsylvania
- Study coordinator: Lily A Brown, PhD
- Email: lilybr@pennmedicine.upenn.edu
- Phone: 2157463346
Similar studies
Other studies for the same condition or treatment. Recruiting studies are listed first.
-
Reboxetine plus Ritalin vs Dog-Assisted Therapy for PTSD
This study tests whether a drug combo of reboxetine and methylphenidate works better than dog-assisted therapy for people with PTSD.
-
Self-Help CPT with WoVeN Peer Support for Women Veterans with PTSD
This study tests a self-help Cognitive Processing Therapy and a WoVeN peer-support program, alone and together, to see if they improve PTSD symptoms and well-being for women veterans.
-
Adaptive, personalized PTSD care for veterans
This program will try different therapy sequences plus optional text-message homework reminders to see if switching treatments or sending prompts helps veterans with PTSD who aren't improving or are missing between-session homework.
-
Multi‑Mode Cognitive Processing Therapy for adults with PTSD
This program will try a multi‑mode form of Cognitive Processing Therapy to reduce PTSD symptoms and improve sleep and mood in adults aged 20–65 with PTSD.
-
Improving thinking, daily functioning, mood, and sleep after mild traumatic brain injury and PTSD
This project will test whether adding morning bright light therapy to compensatory cognitive training helps post-9/11 Veterans with mild traumatic brain injury and PTSD think, function, and sleep better compared with a neutral ion generator.
-
Combined MDMA and psilocybin treatment for Veterans with PTSD
This trial tests whether giving MDMA followed 30 minutes later by psilocybin can be safely used to reduce symptoms in military veterans with long-standing PTSD.
How to take part
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
- Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.