Using targeted TMS to improve fear extinction in PTSD patients

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 how transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) can be optimized to enhance fear extinction memory in individuals with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). By varying the timing and location of TMS application, researchers aim to understand its effects on brain regions involved in fear regulation. The study will involve 250 participants, including both PTSD patients and healthy controls, undergoing a series of screenings and experimental sessions over four days. The goal is to identify the most effective TMS parameters to improve fear response inhibition in PTSD patients.

Why it matters

Who can join: the full rules

Inclusion Criteria:

* Willing and able to provide informed consent.
* Inclusion Criteria for PTSD Subjects - Diagnosis of current PTSD
* Inclusion Criteria: Healthy Controls (HC) - no current psychiatric disorders ("Axis I" disorders)

Exclusion Criteria:

* Lifetime history of seizure or significant head trauma or other significant neurologic disease (e.g., tic disorder)
* History of serious/significant psychiatric diagnoses ("Axis I" diagnoses)
* Current significant suicidal ideation, plan or intent or suicidal behavior in past 6 months based on CSSRS and clinical judgment or Self-injurious behavior that involves suicidal intent, requires medical attention, or occurs daily
* Use of neuroleptics within one year prior to study
* Current substance use
* Pregnancy (to be ruled out by urine β-HCG).
* Metallic implants or devices contraindicating magnetic resonance imaging.
* Currently taking medications that lower the seizure threshold. These include antipsychotics, high dose theophylline or stimulants such as methylphenidate. Patients taking bupropion must be on a stable dose (\*last 3 months) and take less than or equal to 300 mg/day.
* Implanted devices in subject's head (shunts, cochlear implants); metal in subject's head (other than dental implants).
* High risk of adverse emotional or behavioral reaction, and/or an inability to understand study procedures or the informed consent process
* Additional exclusion criteria for Healthy controls (HC) group: Current psychiatric diagnosis ("Axis I" diagnosis)

Where it's running

• UTHealth Houston
  Houston, Texas, United States Recruiting

Study contacts

• Principal investigator: Mohammed Milad, PhD — The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston (UTHealth Houston)
• Study coordinator: Mohammed Milad, PhD
• Email: Mohammed.R.Milad@uth.tmc.edu
• Phone: 713-486-2754

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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.