RecruitingNot ApplicableNCT06603064

Neuromodulation of Brain and Emotional Responses to Psychological Stress

Sponsor

University of Pittsburgh

Enrollment

55 participants

Start Date

Apr 9, 2025

Study Type

INTERVENTIONAL

Conditions

Healthy Anxiety

Summary

Investigators are conducting this study to test if temporarily and non-invasively stimulating the brain will affect the emotional response to stress in healthy participants. Participants will perform a series of tasks while completing an MRI scan. After this, participants will be randomized to undergo transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) at two visits, undergoing active stimulation at one visit and undergoing 'sham' stimulation at another visit. Immediately following both stimulation sessions, participants will repeat the tasks during MRI scanning.

Eligibility

Min Age: 30 YearsMax Age: 50 Years

Plain Language Summary

Simplified for easier understanding

This study is investigating how the brain responds to psychological stress and whether it is possible to modulate (change) these responses using non-invasive brain stimulation techniques, such as transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS), in healthy adults. **You may be eligible if...** - You are between 30 and 50 years old - English is your primary language (used at home for at least the past 10 years) - You live in the Pittsburgh area and will be available for at least 6 weeks **You may NOT be eligible if...** - You have taken heart medications, anticonvulsants, anti-Parkinson drugs, antipsychotics, insulin, chemotherapy, or immunosuppressants in the past 14 days - You regularly take medications such as protease inhibitors (HIV drugs), anti-arrhythmic drugs, or prescription weight loss drugs - You have specific medical conditions that would interfere with brain or cardiovascular measurements 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

DEVICEActive continuous theta burst stimulation

This intervention involves an active form of continuous theta burst stimulation (cTBS) that will be targeted to the dorsal anterior cingulate cortex based on neural navigation software. cTBS will be delivered in one session, lasting a few minutes, before participants complete additional testing.

DEVICESham continuous theta burst stimulation

This intervention involves an sham form of continuous theta burst stimulation (cTBS) that will be targeted to the dorsal anterior cingulate cortex based on neural navigation software. cTBS will be delivered in one session, lasting a few minutes, before participants complete additional testing.