Modulating Anxious Coping with rTMS

This study is exploring if a device called repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (rTMS) can change how people with anxiety cope with stressful situations. rTMS uses magnetic pulses to temporarily alter brain activity. Researchers will measure changes in your fear response (Fear-Potentiated Startle Reflex) and how quickly you avoid feared situations (Speed to Initiate Avoidance Behavior) immediately before and after receiving rTMS. The study is looking for 80 participants aged 18 to 65 who have an anxiety disorder (like Generalized Anxiety Disorder, Panic Disorder, Social Anxiety Disorder, Specific Phobia, PTSD, or OCD) and are currently seeking mental health treatment. The study's current recruitment status is unclear.

Study design: This is an interventional study with a planned enrollment of 80 participants. It is not specified if it is randomized or blinded.
What's involved: You would have 3 visits to the Medical University of South Carolina. The first visit includes interviews, surveys about anxiety, and tasks where your brain activation is measured while viewing emotional pictures.
Compensation: Not stated in the trial record.
Follow-up: The primary endpoints are measured immediately before and immediately after stimulation, approximately 30 minutes apart.

AI-generated from the public study record. Only the study team can confirm whether you're eligible — confirm details with them before making decisions.

Modulating Anxious Coping

Recruiting

NAAges 18–65InterventionalBasic science

Medical University of South Carolina

~80 participants

Updated 2026-03-17 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What's tested:Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (rTMS)

At a glance

Recruiting sites

1 of 1 listed site is recruiting right now

RecruitingSuspended, closed, or not yet open

What they're measuring

Change in Fear-Potentiated Startle Reflex

Measured over Immediately Pre-Stimulation and Immediately Post-Stimulation (Approx. 30 minutes between assessments)

+1 more outcome measured

Conditions

Anxiety Disorders

Where it's being run

1 sites across 1 states

South Carolina1

Who to contact

Christopher T Sege, PhD

[email protected]

8437928465

Email the study team

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Do you actually qualify for this trial?

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Eligibility criteria

Inclusion

18 - 65 y.o.

Meets criteria for an anxiety disorder (Generalized Anxiety Disorder, Panic Disorder, Social Anxiety Disorder, Specific Phobia), posttraumatic stress disorder, obsessive- compulsive disorder, or current adjustment disorder with anxiety

Is currently seeking mental health treatment

Is able to read consent document and provide informed consent.

English is a first or primary fluent language.

Exclusion

Current alcohol or substance use disorder of more than mild severity (as defined by DSM-5 and determined using standardized self-report instruments)

Lifetime diagnosis of psychotic disorder or bipolar mania

Presence of neurological disorder that contraindicates TMS or neurophysiological recording: Seizure disorder Lifetime history of traumatic brain injury with loss of consciousness Neurodegenerative disorder (e.g., Alzheimer's Disease, Parkinson's Disease, Frontotemporal Dementia)

Presence of other medical disorder that would make it too uncomfortable to sit or lie still for long recording periods

Presence of standard contraindications for MRI or rTMS Metal in the body Currently pregnant Claustrophobia Significant sensitivity to noise Medical conditions or treatments that lower seizure threshold History of severe brain injury History of seizures/ epilepsy

Currently taking anticholinergic mediation, neuroleptic medication, or sedative/ hypnotic medication Note: SSRI, cholinesterase inhibitors or NMDA receptor antagonists are allowed if patient has been on a stable regimen of four weeks prior to enrollment

Currently taking chronic opiate medications or substances

Currently taking naltrexone

What this trial measures

Change in Fear-Potentiated Startle ReflexImmediately Pre-Stimulation and Immediately Post-Stimulation (Approx. 30 minutes between assessments)
Fear-potentiated startle is measured during an experimental task in which participants prepare to avoid, escape, or simply be exposed to aversive pictures. Fear-potentiated startle measures motivational activation during the preparation period.
Change in Speed to Initiate Avoidance BehaviorImmediately Pre-Stimulation and Immediately Post-Stimulation (Approx. 30 minutes between assessments)
Reaction time to initiate flight is measured in an experimental task in which participants can win money but also must evade a slow, moderate, or fast virtual predator. Reaction time measures behavioral tendency to approach or avoid.

Trialytics