RecruitingNot ApplicableNCT06234969

A Mechanistic Trial of the Neurobiology of Extinction Learning and Intraparietal Sulcus Stimulation

Sponsor

University of Pennsylvania

Enrollment

120 participants

Start Date

Apr 29, 2024

Study Type

INTERVENTIONAL

Conditions

Posttraumatic Stress Disorder

Summary

This study will be the first of its kind to explore the impact of continuous theta burst stimulation (cTBS) to the intraparietal sulcus (IPS) on arousal symptoms among patients with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). The investigators will demonstrate that IPS cTBS results in significant reduction in arousal (measured by startle response) compared to sham cTBS, that IPS cTBS interacts with extinction training to further improve arousal, and that there is a dose/response effect of cTBS on arousal. The investigators will also demonstrate that IPS cTBS significantly improves retention of extinction learning, the experimental analogue of exposure therapy.

Eligibility

Min Age: 18 YearsMax Age: 60 Years

Plain Language Summary

Simplified for easier understanding

This trial is studying the brain science behind PTSD treatment — specifically how a type of brain stimulation (called cTBS, applied to the scalp) affects the way the brain processes fear and learns to feel safe again. No experimental drug is involved. **You may be eligible if...** - You are between 18 and 60 years old - You have been diagnosed with PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) using a standard clinical interview - You have no metal implants in your body **You may NOT be eligible if...** - You are pregnant - You have epilepsy or a seizure disorder - You have hearing loss that would affect the study - You have claustrophobia (the study involves MRI scanning) - You have made recent changes to medications or therapy in the past 8 weeks - You have a severe current substance use disorder 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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