Reducing fear memories to prevent PTSD
Official title: Forgetting Fear: Establishing a Novel Non-invasive Approach to Disrupt Fear-based Sensory Memory Consolidation in Humans
Run by Emory University · NCT05560113 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is testing whether a new method using brain stimulation can help prevent PTSD by reducing fear memories right after a traumatic event.
Quick facts
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 18 Years to 65 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 66 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | Emory University Academic / other |
| Locations | 2 sites (Atlanta, Georgia and 1 other locations) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | November 28, 2022 |
| Main results expected | December 2028 |
| Study ends | December 2028 |
| Registry record updated | October 29, 2025 |
| Trial ID | NCT05560113 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Ideal candidates include adults with a clinical diagnosis of PTSD who can provide informed consent and are willing to participate.
✕Probably not a fit
Patients with a history of major head trauma, neurodegenerative disorders, or current symptoms of psychosis or bipolar disorder 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 project aims to explore a novel approach to prevent post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) by using non-invasive transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) to interfere with the consolidation of fear-based memories shortly after a traumatic event. The study will investigate how this technique can attenuate the sensory encoding of fear memories, potentially leading to a breakthrough in PTSD treatment. Participants will receive either active or sham stimulation to assess the effectiveness of this method in reducing the risk of developing PTSD after experiencing trauma.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could significantly reduce the incidence of PTSD in individuals who have experienced traumatic events.
How similar studies have gone: While this approach is novel, previous studies using TMS for various neurological and psychiatric conditions have shown promising results, suggesting potential for success in this area.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Ability to provide informed consent * Willingness to participate in study * No history of musculoskeletal impairment or neurological disease * Clinical diagnosis of PTSD for individuals in the PTSD group. Exclusion Criteria: * Any participant outside the age range * Participants that show signs of dementia (score \< 20 on the Montreal Cognitive Assessment) * Participants that have a history of major head trauma, a neurodegenerative disorder, or recent (\<6 months) substance abuse; * Participants that had a recent history of Central Nervous System (CNS) active drugs that may influence cortical excitability or learning; or * Participants that report contraindications to TMS or MRI - if participating in the TMS/MRI experiments * Current psychoactive medication usage * Current symptoms of psychosis or bipolar disorder (as indicated by study staff through a clinical interview as part of that study). * The study will exclude adults unable to consent, individuals who are not yet adults, pregnant women and prisoners on scientific grounds and to minimize risk.
Where it's running
-
Emory Rehabilitation Hospital
Atlanta, Georgia, United States Recruiting -
Emory University Hospital
Atlanta, Georgia, United States Recruiting
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Michael Borich, PhD — Emory University
- Study coordinator: Michael Borich, PhD
- Email: michael.borich@emory.edu
- Phone: 404-712-5512
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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.