Reducing fear memories to prevent PTSD
Forgetting Fear: Establishing a Novel Non-invasive Approach to Disrupt Fear-based Sensory Memory Consolidation in Humans
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
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 66 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years to 65 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Emory University Academic / other |
| Locations | 2 sites (Atlanta, Georgia and 1 other locations) |
| Trial ID | NCT05560113 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
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.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates include adults with a clinical diagnosis of PTSD who can provide informed consent and are willing to participate.
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.
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 performed: 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.
Eligibility criteria
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 this trial is running
Atlanta, Georgia and 1 other locations
- 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
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.