Temporal Interference stimulation for PTSD symptom relief
Official title: The Efficacy and Safety of Temporal Interference Stimulation in the Treatment of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder
Run by Shanghai Mental Health Center · NCT07644338 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study tests whether Temporal Interference stimulation can help reduce PTSD symptoms in adults with PTSD, using twice-daily sessions over a week and follow-up for up to 3 months.
Quick facts
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 18 Years to 50 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 5 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | Shanghai Mental Health Center Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Shanghai) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | June 8, 2026 |
| Main results expected | May 2027 |
| Study ends | June 2027 |
| Registry record updated | June 12, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT07644338 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Adults aged 18–50 with a DSM-5 PTSD diagnosis (primary), with stable psychiatric medication if applicable, and able to complete all assessments.
✕Probably not a fit
Individuals with severe medical or neurological conditions or other DSM-5 disorders beyond PTSD, depressive, or anxiety disorders may not benefit.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
This open-label, single-arm study explores the safety and potential effectiveness of TI stimulation targeting the bilateral amygdala in adults with PTSD. Participants receive active TI stimulation for 20 minutes twice daily for seven days, with comprehensive assessments before and after treatment, plus follow-up up to three months. The study uses MRI, MEG, EEG, and cognitive tests to explore possible neural mechanisms and monitor changes in symptoms. Eligibility focuses on adults 18–50 with PTSD as the primary diagnosis, allowing certain comorbid depressive or anxiety disorders, and requires stable psychiatric medication if used. The lead sponsor is Shanghai Mental Health Center, recruiting at a site in Shanghai, China.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, TI stimulation could offer a non-invasive option to alleviate PTSD symptoms and improve neural function.
How similar studies have gone: Prior neuromodulation approaches have shown variable benefit in PTSD; this study's TI method is exploratory and builds on emerging evidence for non-invasive brain stimulation.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: 1. Age 18-50 years, male or female 2. Diagnosis of PTSD per DSM-5 (assessed by CAPS-5), with symptom duration of at least 3 months, and PTSD as the current primary diagnosis; comorbid depressive disorder or anxiety disorder is allowed 3. If currently receiving psychiatric medication, the dosage must be stable for at least 4 weeks prior to enrollment 4. At least 9 years of education (junior high school or above) Exclusion Criteria: 1. Any DSM-5 diagnosis other than PTSD, depressive disorder, or anxiety disorder 2. PTSD symptoms too severe to complete required assessments 3. Received electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) within the past 6 months 4. Received any other form of neuromodulation within the past 2 months (see Item 3 for ECT) 5. Severe medical illness or any condition that may induce seizures or intracranial hypertension (e.g., cardiovascular or respiratory diseases) 6. History of neurological disorders (e.g., epilepsy, cerebrovascular accident) or brain injury/surgery 7. Presence of intracranial stents, cardiac pacemakers, coronary stents, cochlear implants, or any other MRI-incompatible implants 8. Current significant suicidal behavior risk per investigator judgment 9. Pregnancy or planning to become pregnant during the study period 10. Initiation of structured psychotherapy for PTSD within 3 months prior to screening, with expected change during the 10-week treatment period
Where it's running
-
Shanghai Mental Health Center
Shanghai, China Recruiting
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Zhen Wang, PhD,MD
- Email: wangzhen@smhc.org.cn
- Phone: +86 34773516
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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.