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TMS for PTSD and Fear Extinction

This study is exploring how Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS), a non-invasive brain stimulation device, affects brain circuits involved in fear. Researchers want to understand how different TMS settings (like timing and location) can help improve fear extinction memory, especially in people with Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). You might be able to join if you are between 18 and 70 years old and have a current PTSD diagnosis, or if you are a healthy control without other psychiatric conditions. The study will measure changes in your skin conductance response (a measure of emotional arousal) and brain activity using functional MRI (fMRI) to see if the TMS is effective. The study aims to enroll 250 participants and its current recruitment status is unclear.

Study design
This is an interventional study planning to enroll 250 participants. It is not specified if it is randomized or blinded.
What's involved
You would participate in a 3-day experimental paradigm, which includes resting-state and structural fMRI scans, and non-invasive TMS sessions. There will also be preliminary screenings, baseline visits, and experimental visits across four days.
Compensation
Not stated in the trial record.
Follow-up
Your skin conductance response will be measured on Experimental Day 1 and Day 3. Functional MRI (fMRI) responses will be measured on Experimental Day 1.

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

NCT05368987

Neuromodulation of the Fear Extinction Circuit Using Temporally and Anatomically Specific TMS in Humans

Recruiting
NAAges 18–70InterventionalBasic science
The University of Texas Health Science Center, Houston
~250 participants
Updated 2026-05-05 on ClinicalTrials.gov
What's tested:Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS)Fear Conditioning and Extinction Paradigm

At a glance

Recruiting sites
1 of 1 listed site is recruiting right now
RecruitingSuspended, closed, or not yet open
What they're measuring
Skin Conductance Response (SCR)
Measured over Experimental Day 1
+3 more outcomes measured

Conditions

PTSD

Explore related trials

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder

Where it's being run

1 sites across 1 states
Texas1

Study leadership

  • Mohammed Milad, PhD · PRINCIPAL_INVESTIGATOR · The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston (UTHealth Houston)

Who to contact

Mohammed Milad, PhD
[email protected]
713-486-2754
Email the study team

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Do you actually qualify for this trial?

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Eligibility criteria

Inclusion

Willing and able to provide informed consent.

Exclusion

Lifetime history of seizure or significant head trauma or other significant neurologic disease (e.g., tic disorder)
History of serious/significant psychiatric diagnoses ("Axis I" diagnoses)
Current significant suicidal ideation, plan or intent or suicidal behavior in past 6 months based on CSSRS and clinical judgment or Self-injurious behavior that involves suicidal intent, requires medical attention, or occurs daily
Use of neuroleptics within one year prior to study
Current substance use
Pregnancy (to be ruled out by urine β-HCG).
Metallic implants or devices contraindicating magnetic resonance imaging.
Currently taking medications that lower the seizure threshold. These include antipsychotics, high dose theophylline or stimulants such as methylphenidate. Patients taking bupropion must be on a stable dose (\*last 3 months) and take less than or equal to 300 mg/day.
Implanted devices in subject's head (shunts, cochlear implants); metal in subject's head (other than dental implants).
High risk of adverse emotional or behavioral reaction, and/or an inability to understand study procedures or the informed consent process

What this trial measures

  • Skin Conductance Response (SCR)Experimental Day 1

    Conductance is measured by placing two electrodes next to the skin and passing a tiny electric charge between the two points. SCR is proportionally related to the number of sweat glands that are activated, meaning in essence that the more emotionally aroused an individual is, the more the SCR amount is increased.

  • Skin Conductance Response (SCR)Experimental Day 3

    Conductance is measured by placing two electrodes next to the skin and passing a tiny electric charge between the two points. SCR is proportionally related to the number of sweat glands that are activated, meaning in essence that the more emotionally aroused an individual is, the more the SCR amount is increased.

  • Functional MRI (fMRI) blood-oxygen-level-dependent (BOLD) responsesExperimental Day 1

    fMRI data, including blood-oxygen-level-dependent (BOLD) responses, is used in neuroimaging studies assess neural correlate activations and observe the increase/decrease in activation of a particular brain area in response to a specific cue. When these cells are active, there is an increase in blood oxygen in the surrounding area.

  • Functional MRI (fMRI) blood-oxygen-level-dependent (BOLD) responsesExperimental Day 3

    fMRI data, including blood-oxygen-level-dependent (BOLD) responses, is used in neuroimaging studies assess neural correlate activations and observe the increase/decrease in activation of a particular brain area in response to a specific cue. When these cells are active, there is an increase in blood oxygen in the surrounding area.