RecruitingNot ApplicableNCT05149534

rTMS-augmented Written Exposure Therapy for PTSD

Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation Augmented Written Exposure Therapy for Veterans With PTSD


Sponsor

VA Office of Research and Development

Enrollment

98 participants

Start Date

Jan 3, 2022

Study Type

INTERVENTIONAL

Conditions

Summary

Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is prevalent and represents a high healthcare burden among Veterans. Repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) is a brain-based therapy that may be effective for treating PTSD. The theorized mechanism of rTMS is enhancement of emotional flexibility via the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex node of the brain's cognitive control network. Given this mechanism of action, adding rTMS to an evidence-based psychotherapy (EBP) for PTSD may enhance treatment effects. Written exposure therapy (WET) is a brief EBP for PTSD found to reduce attrition compared to lengthier first line treatments. In this study, the investigators will determine if active rTMS added to WET compared with sham rTMS added to WET results in improved PTSD outcomes. The investigators will also determine if emotional flexibility is a mechanism of symptom improvement. This work will improve upon PTSD intervention and inform the mechanism of treatment effectiveness for Veterans suffering from PTSD.


Eligibility

Min Age: 18 YearsMax Age: 60 Years

Plain Language Summary

Simplified for easier understanding

This study is testing whether combining repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS — a non-invasive brain stimulation technique) with a type of writing-based therapy (Written Exposure Therapy) can improve PTSD outcomes in military veterans. rTMS uses magnetic pulses to stimulate specific brain regions, potentially making therapy more effective. **You may be eligible if...** - You are a veteran between the ages of 18 and 60 - You have a diagnosis of PTSD - You speak English and can provide written consent **You may NOT be eligible if...** - You have a history of seizures or significant neurological conditions - You are pregnant - You have active psychosis, bipolar disorder, or schizophrenia - You have current suicidal intent with a plan - You have a current substance use disorder or used substances in the last 12 hours - You have moderate or severe traumatic brain injury (mild TBI is allowed) - You have a cognitive impairment that would affect your ability to participate - You are currently participating in another structured evidence-based therapy Talk to your doctor to see if this trial is right for you.

This summary was AI-generated to explain the trial in plain language. It is not medical advice. Always discuss eligibility with your doctor before enrolling in a clinical trial.

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Interventions

BEHAVIORALWritten Exposure Therapy

Narrative written disclosure of trauma administered in an evidence-based protocol.

DEVICErepetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation

Noninvasive magnetic neuromodulation device


Locations(1)

Central Texas Veterans Health Care System, Temple, TX

Temple, Texas, United States

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NCT05149534


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