Using brain imaging to guide treatment for PTSD in veterans

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 clinical trial, known as MAGNETS, investigates the effects of functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI)-guided intermittent theta burst stimulation (iTBS) on veterans suffering from chronic posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Sixty-four participants will be recruited and undergo a series of assessments, including fMRI and cognitive evaluations, to identify specific brain targets for treatment. Participants will be randomly assigned to receive either active or sham stimulation over 50 sessions, with follow-up assessments to evaluate symptom changes over time. The study aims to establish the efficacy of this innovative approach in alleviating PTSD symptoms.

Why it matters

Who can join: the full rules

Inclusion Criteria:

* Veterans will be enrolled in this study if they:

  1. are aged 18-80;
  2. have a documented diagnosis of PTSD with evidence of ongoing symptoms as demonstrated by score of "31" or higher on the PCL-5, a measure of posttraumatic stress symptoms;
  3. are fluent in English (as the neuropsychological testing tools used are only available in English) and
  4. have been on stable doses of psychotropic medications for the past month.

Exclusion Criteria:

* Veterans will be excluded from participation in this study if there is:

  1. a prior history of other neurological disease beyond mild TBI, as determined by VA/DoD criteria for TBI severity;
  2. any history of seizures beyond immediate posttraumatic seizure or childhood febrile seizure, so as to reduce risk of exacerbation of epilepsy or other neurological symptoms;
  3. history of a psychotic disorder, such as schizophrenia or bipolar disorder, so as to reduce risk of psychiatric decompensation;
  4. active substance/alcohol dependence without ongoing treatment, to reduce confounding effects on diagnosis and brain imaging;
  5. presence of any implanted electrical device (e.g., pacemaker), to reduce risk of device malfunction from rTMS;
  6. recent medical hospitalization (within four weeks), to reduce risk of medical decompensation during the study;
  7. any condition that would prevent the subject from completing the protocol;
  8. appointment of a legal representative or inability to provide informed consent, to avoid coercion of a vulnerable population;
  9. any ongoing litigation related to PTSD, TBI, disability determination, or service connection, to prevent interference with legal proceedings;
  10. any contraindication to MRI;
  11. pregnant women, so as to prevent complications;
  12. membership in an identified vulnerable population, including minors and prisoners, so as to prevent coercion;
  13. Cognitively impaired adults who lack capacity to consent.

Where it's running

• UNM Center for Psychiatric Research
  Albuquerque, New Mexico, United States Recruiting
• New Mexico VA Health Care System
  Albuquerque, New Mexico, United States Recruiting

Study contacts

• Study coordinator: Davin Quinn, MD
• Email: dquinn@salud.unm.edu
• Phone: 505-272-9494

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Other studies for the same condition or treatment. Recruiting studies are listed first.

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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.