Using brain stimulation to reduce intrusive memories in PTSD

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 aims to evaluate the effectiveness of non-invasive neuromodulation targeting the hippocampus to alleviate intrusive memory symptoms in adults with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Participants will undergo magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans to personalize their neuromodulation treatment and to assess changes in brain function. The study compares the effects of targeted hippocampal stimulation with a control stimulation in a non-memory-related area, focusing on the frequency and emotional severity of intrusive memories and overall PTSD severity.

Why it matters

Who can join: the full rules

Inclusion Criteria:

* Aged of 20-65 years.
* Meet a diagnosis of PTSD according to DSM-5 as tested by a structured clinical interview (Clinician-Administered PTSD Scale for DSM-5 - CAPS-5).
* CAPS-5 total score greater or equal to 33.
* Endorsement of intrusive symptoms (flashbacks, nightmares, or intrusive memories) with a frequency of at least 3 times a week.
* Meeting the accepted criteria for inclusion in an MRI examination.

Exclusion Criteria:

* Meeting a diagnosis of Complex PTSD or personality disorder.
* Psychotic disorder, bipolar disorder, or a developmental neuropsychological disorder (autism, mental retardation).
* Use of psychiatric medications (except for the medications listed in section 4.a of the study protocol if the medication dosage is stable in the last three months and does not change during the study.
* Exclusion rules in TMS research (see guidelines).
* Use of the following drugs: imipramine, amitriptyline, doxepin, nortriptyline, maprotiline, chlorpromazine, clozapine, foscarnet, ganciclovir, ritonavir, amphetamines, cocaine, (MDMA, ecstasy), phencyclidine (PCP, angel's dust), ketamine, gamma- hydroxybutyrate (GHB), alcohol, theophylline
* Epilepsy or use of anti-epileptic drugs.
* Traumatic head injuries or head surgery.
* Implanted metallic body (except fillings/amalgam bites/orthodontic fixations approved for MRI), electrodes or a pacemaker.
* Migraines
* Pregnant women
* Hearing problems
* Drinking alcohol 24 hours before the TMS session
* Repeated episodes of fainting with loss of consciousness and/or an event of fainting with loss of consciousness in the past year.
* The accepted exclusion criteria for an MRI examination

Where it's running

• Tel Aviv University
  Tel Aviv, Israel Recruiting

Study contacts

• Principal investigator: Yair Bar-Haim, PhD — Tel Aviv University
• Study coordinator: Yair Bar-Haim, PhD
• Email: yair1@tauex.tau.ac.il
• Phone: 972-3-6405465

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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.