Using a device to change how people cope with anxiety

Is this trial a fit for you?

A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.

What this trial studies

This study investigates whether repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) can alter brain activity to improve coping mechanisms in individuals with anxiety disorders. Participants, aged 18 to 65, who are currently seeking treatment for anxiety will undergo three visits at the Medical University of South Carolina. The first visit includes interviews and tasks to assess anxiety while measuring brain activation, followed by two sessions of rTMS aimed at enhancing brain activity. After each rTMS session, participants will engage in tasks to evaluate their emotional responses.

Why it matters

Who can join: the full rules

Inclusion Criteria:

* 18 - 65 y.o.
* Meets criteria for an anxiety disorder (Generalized Anxiety Disorder, Panic Disorder, Social Anxiety Disorder, Specific Phobia), posttraumatic stress disorder, obsessive- compulsive disorder, or current adjustment disorder with anxiety
* Is currently seeking mental health treatment
* Is able to read consent document and provide informed consent.
* English is a first or primary fluent language.

Exclusion Criteria:

* Current alcohol or substance use disorder of more than mild severity (as defined by DSM-5 and determined using standardized self-report instruments)
* Lifetime diagnosis of psychotic disorder or bipolar mania
* Presence of neurological disorder that contraindicates TMS or neurophysiological recording: Seizure disorder Lifetime history of traumatic brain injury with loss of consciousness Neurodegenerative disorder (e.g., Alzheimer's Disease, Parkinson's Disease, Frontotemporal Dementia)
* Presence of other medical disorder that would make it too uncomfortable to sit or lie still for long recording periods
* Presence of standard contraindications for MRI or rTMS Metal in the body Currently pregnant Claustrophobia Significant sensitivity to noise Medical conditions or treatments that lower seizure threshold History of severe brain injury History of seizures/ epilepsy
* Currently taking anticholinergic mediation, neuroleptic medication, or sedative/ hypnotic medication Note: SSRI, cholinesterase inhibitors or NMDA receptor antagonists are allowed if patient has been on a stable regimen of four weeks prior to enrollment
* Currently taking chronic opiate medications or substances
* Currently taking naltrexone

Where it's running

• Medical University of South Carolina
  Charleston, South Carolina, United States Recruiting

Study contacts

• Study coordinator: Christopher T Sege, PhD
• Email: sege@musc.edu
• Phone: 8437928465

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How to take part

1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
2. Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
3. Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.