Using brain stimulation to treat 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 study evaluates the effectiveness of intermittent theta-burst transcranial magnetic stimulation (iTBS) on patients with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). It targets the primary motor cortex and aims to improve PTSD symptoms, negative moods, quality of life, and brain functioning. The study employs a randomized and sham-controlled design to compare the effects of iTBS with a placebo treatment. By focusing on a novel stimulation approach, it seeks to provide a more effective non-invasive treatment option for PTSD patients.

Why it matters

Who can join: the full rules

Inclusion Criteria:

* Aged between 18 to 65 years old
* Right handedness
* Have a diagnosis of PTSD meeting DSM-5 criteria
* CAPS-5 score\>35
* Under stable medication for at least four weeks
* Capable of independently reading and understanding study materials and providing informed consent.

Exclusion Criteria:

* Current (or past if appropriate) significant neurological or medical disorder, or lifetime history of 1) seizure disorder; 2) primary or secondary CNS tumors; 3) stroke; or 4) cerebral aneurysm.
* Primary psychotic disorder, bipolar I disorder, major depressive disorder, or personality disorders
* Lifetime history of attempted suicide or HAMD-17 suicide item (item 3) ≥ 3 points
* Implanted device (deep brain stimulation) or metal in the brain; a pacemaker, extensive dental work, or any magnetic metal implants and upper body tattoos if choose to do fMRI
* Previous experience of rTMS
* Pregnancy/lactation, or planning to become pregnant during the study
* Current under psychological or other physical treatments

Where it's running

• Shanghai Mental Health Center
  Shanghai, Shanghai Municipality, China Recruiting
• First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University
  Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China Recruiting
• Second Affiliated Hospital Zhejiang University School of Medicine
  Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China Recruiting
• The Affiliated Kangning Hospital of Ningbo University
  Ningbo, Zhejiang, China Recruiting
• Tongji Hospital of Tongji University
  Shanghai, China Recruiting

Study contacts

• Principal investigator: Yuan Shen, M.D., Ph.D. — Tongji Hospital
• Study coordinator: Huiqian Huang, Ph.D.
• Email: hhq0301@zju.edu.cn
• Phone: +8618757143725

Similar studies

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

• Reboxetine plus Ritalin vs Dog-Assisted Therapy for PTSD

  This study tests whether a drug combo of reboxetine and methylphenidate works better than dog-assisted therapy for people with PTSD.

  Recruiting Phase 2 University of Haifa · Haifa · NCT07771530

• Self-Help CPT with WoVeN Peer Support for Women Veterans with PTSD

  This study tests a self-help Cognitive Processing Therapy and a WoVeN peer-support program, alone and together, to see if they improve PTSD symptoms and well-being for women veterans.

  Recruiting Boston University · Boston, Massachusetts · NCT07250061

• Adaptive, personalized PTSD care for veterans

  This program will try different therapy sequences plus optional text-message homework reminders to see if switching treatments or sending prompts helps veterans with PTSD who aren't improving or are missing between-session homework.

  Recruiting at 3 sites The University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio · Augusta, Georgia and 3 other locations · NCT07176273

• Multi‑Mode Cognitive Processing Therapy for adults with PTSD

  This program will try a multi‑mode form of Cognitive Processing Therapy to reduce PTSD symptoms and improve sleep and mood in adults aged 20–65 with PTSD.

  Recruiting Far Eastern Memorial Hospital · New Taipei City, Banqiao District · NCT07105345

• Improving thinking, daily functioning, mood, and sleep after mild traumatic brain injury and PTSD

  This project will test whether adding morning bright light therapy to compensatory cognitive training helps post-9/11 Veterans with mild traumatic brain injury and PTSD think, function, and sleep better compared with a neutral ion generator.

  Recruiting at 2 sites VA Office of Research and Development · San Diego, California and 1 other locations · NCT07055633

• Combined MDMA and psilocybin treatment for Veterans with PTSD

  This trial tests whether giving MDMA followed 30 minutes later by psilocybin can be safely used to reduce symptoms in military veterans with long-standing PTSD.

  Recruiting Phase 1 Johns Hopkins University · Baltimore, Maryland · NCT06989957

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.