TMS for persistent PTSD in 12–20-year-olds
Official title: Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation as Treatment for Persistent PTSD in Texas Youth
Run by The University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio · NCT07401225 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This project will test whether transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) helps 12–20-year-olds who still have PTSD symptoms after completing trauma-focused therapy.
Quick facts
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 12 Years to 20 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 20 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | The University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (San Antonio, Texas) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | May 9, 2026 |
| Main results expected | June 1, 2027 |
| Study ends | August 31, 2027 |
| Registry record updated | July 13, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT07401225 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Ideal candidates are 12–20-year-olds who completed at least nine sessions of trauma-focused therapy, have ongoing PTSD with a UCLA PTSD Reaction Index score ≥20, speak English, and can attend 10 TMS sessions within about 30 days at the study site.
✕Probably not a fit
Patients with a history of seizures, significant head injury or brain abnormalities, bipolar I or psychotic disorder, current pregnancy, current TMS or psychotherapy, or MRI contraindications are excluded and unlikely to benefit from this protocol.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
This interventional program enrolls youth aged 12–20 who have persistent PTSD symptoms despite completing trauma-focused psychotherapy and a UCLA PTSD Reaction Index score of 20 or greater. Participants will be involved for about 16 weeks and attend roughly 16 visits total, including a screening, interviews, two MRI visits, two virtual follow-ups at 1 and 3 months, and 10 in-person TMS treatment visits delivered with a MagPro R30 and robotic arm over a 30-day period. Key eligibility requirements include prior completion of at least 9 trauma-focused therapy sessions, fluency in English, and exclusion of individuals with seizure history, certain brain abnormalities, bipolar I or psychotic disorders, pregnancy, current TMS/psychotherapy, or MRI contraindications. The study combines clinical symptom ratings and MRI measures to explore whether TMS is acceptable, feasible, and shows preliminary symptom benefit in this age group.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, TMS could reduce lingering PTSD symptoms and improve daily functioning for adolescents who did not fully respond to talk therapy.
How similar studies have gone: TMS has shown some promise for PTSD in adults, but its use in adolescents is relatively novel and not well established.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: 1. Males and females; Age 12-20 2. Have previously completed at least 9 sessions of trauma-focused therapy in our clinical trial or in the community 3. Have current self-reported symptom score of 20 or greater on the UCLA PTSD Reaction index 4. Willing to attend 10 TMS treatment sessions within a 30-day period 5. Fluent in English Exclusion Criteria: 1. History of seizures 2. History of head injury with loss of consciousness and concussive sequelae 3. Brain abnormality such as tumor or other observable abnormality 4. Currently receiving psychotherapy or TMS treatment 5. Currently pregnant 6. MRI contraindications (metal in body, orthodontic braces) 7. Diagnosis of bipolar 1 or a psychotic disorder
Where it's running
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UT Health Department of Psychiatry
San Antonio, Texas, United States Recruiting
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Amy S Garrett, PhD — The University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio
- Study coordinator: Amy S Garrett, PhD
- Email: GarrettAS@uthscsa.edu
- Phone: 210-567-8189
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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.