Evaluating the effectiveness of Theta Burst Stimulation (TBS) as a treatment for Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) in an Australian Veteran Population – a pilot study

Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a common and serious mental health problem that can have a profound impact on the person’s functioning and quality of life. Although we have effective treatments for PTSD, there are still many veterans who do not benefit from these approaches. New and innovative treatments are required. Phoenix Australia and the Monash Alfred Psychiatry Research Centre (MAPrc) are conducting a pilot study of a new intervention for PTSD known as Theta Burst Stimulation (TBS). Previous research has shown that people with PTSD may have an imbalance in the excitability, or ‘activity levels’, of cells in the brain. TBS involves the application of magnetic pulses to the head to try and change the activity level of cells in the brain. The aim of TBS treatment in PTSD is to improve the way different parts of the brain that are affected by PTSD communicate with each other, thereby reducing the symptoms of PTSD and leading to improvements in memory and thinking. To be potentially eligible to participate in the study, individuals must be a veteran, have a current diagnosis of PTSD, and be aged 18 years or above. Participation in the study involves a number of interviews, assessments and a course of TBS treatment given Monday to Friday, 15 minutes a day for four weeks at MAPrc in Prahran, Victoria. All eligible veterans will receive active bilateral TBS treatment. Participants will be assessed prior to, following and 3 months after treatment. A total of 15 participants will take part in this pilot project. This study was initiated by Professor David Forbes, Professor Paul Fitzgerald and Ms Jane Nursey and is funded by a Defence Health Foundation Grant for Medical Research.