Repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation for veterans with PTSD
Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation in Veterans With PTSD: A Pilot Study to Examine Mechanism of Effect
It will test whether ten sessions of repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) over 2–4 weeks can reduce PTSD symptoms in veterans eligible for VA care.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 20 (estimated) |
| Ages | 19 Years to 70 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | White River Junction Veterans Affairs Medical Center Federal |
| Locations | 1 site (White River Junction, Vermont) |
| Trial ID | NCT07336251 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
Veterans with moderate-to-severe PTSD will receive ten 40-minute rTMS sessions delivered over 2–4 weeks while researchers measure clinical, neuroimaging, and inflammatory outcomes. Participants will undergo fMRI scans to examine changes in limbic system activity and will provide breath and blood samples to assess systemic inflammation. Motor threshold will be determined at screening to guide stimulation parameters, and standard safety exclusions apply. The study links symptom changes to brain activity and inflammatory markers to better understand how rTMS might help PTSD.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates are VA‑eligible adults aged 19–70 with moderate-to-severe PTSD (CAPS score ≥25) who can undergo MRI and tolerate TMS and are not pregnant or taking prohibited medications.
Not a fit: Patients with MRI-incompatible implants, recent seizures, active psychosis or mania, significant suicidal ideation, pregnancy, or current use of clozapine or high-dose bupropion, as well as those with milder PTSD, may not be eligible or likely to benefit.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this treatment could reduce PTSD symptoms in veterans and identify biological signals that help tailor future non-drug therapies.
How similar studies have performed: rTMS is FDA-cleared for depression and prior trials for PTSD have shown promising but mixed results, so the approach has supporting evidence but is not yet definitive.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Age between 19 and 70 * Eligible for VA healthcare * Moderate to severe PTSD as determined by a total score of at least 25 on the CAPS within 7 days of randomization. * Agree to have CAPS audio recorded. * Ability to obtain a Motor Threshold using the TMS device during screening. * If female with childbearing potential, use of acceptable method of birth control (i.e., use of contraceptives, abstinence). * Able to read, understand, and sign the informed consent document. Exclusion Criteria: * Pregnant or lactating woman. * MRI is contraindicated * Current use of clozapine (any dose) or bupropion (more than 300mg per day). * Cardiac pacemaker or implantable defibrillator. * Presence of any metal object in the head, including cochlear implants, but excluding dental work in the mouth. * Significant central nervous system disorder (stroke, brain mass, epilepsy). * Seizure in past one year. * Current psychosis or mania. * Significant suicidal ideation. * Unstable medical conditions. * Current alcohol or substance use disorder (except nicotine) that interferes with the patient's ability to participate. * CPT or PE for PTSD in the past 2 months. * Changes in Fluoxetine, Paroxetine, Sertraline, or Venlafaxine in the past 2 months. * Color blind * Currently participating in other research studies. * Aneurysm Clip * Ocular foreign body (e.g., metal shavings) * Any implanted device (pumps, infusion devices, etc.) * Shrapnel injuries or metal fragments
Where this trial is running
White River Junction, Vermont
- White River Junction VA Hospital — White River Junction, Vermont, United States (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Bradley Watts — US Department of Veterans Affairs
- Study coordinator: Bradley V Watts, MD, MPH
- Email: bradley.watts@va.gov
- Phone: 802-295-9363
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.