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Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation for PTSD in Veterans

This study is looking at how Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) might help Veterans with Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). TMS is a treatment that uses magnetic fields to stimulate nerve cells in the brain. Researchers hope to understand how TMS can improve PTSD symptoms by affecting brain activity and inflammation. If you join, you will receive ten TMS treatments over 2-4 weeks. The study is looking for 20 participants, aged 19 to 70, who have moderate to severe PTSD and are eligible for VA healthcare. Success will be measured by changes in your PTSD symptoms, as reported by you and assessed by clinicians, over a 3-month period. The current status of the study is unclear.

Study design
This is an interventional study planning to enroll 20 participants. It is not specified if it is randomized or blinded.
What's involved
You would receive ten 40-minute TMS treatments over 2-4 weeks. You would also have fMRI scans, and provide two breath and blood samples.
Compensation
Not stated in the trial record.
Follow-up
Your PTSD symptoms will be assessed from enrollment to the end of treatment at 3 months.

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NCT07336251

Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation in Veterans With PTSD

Recruiting
NAAges 19–70InterventionalTreatment
White River Junction Veterans Affairs Medical Center
~20 participants
Updated 2026-06-15 on ClinicalTrials.gov
What's tested:Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation

At a glance

Recruiting sites
1 of 1 listed site is recruiting right now
RecruitingSuspended, closed, or not yet open
What they're measuring
Frequency and intensity of PTSD symptoms as assessed by the CAPS-5
Measured over From enrollment to the end of treatment at 3 months
+1 more outcome measured

Conditions

PTSD - Post Traumatic Stress Disorder

Explore related trials

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder

Where it's being run

1 sites across 1 states
Vermont1

Study leadership

  • Bradley Watts · PRINCIPAL_INVESTIGATOR · US Department of Veterans Affairs

Who to contact

Bradley V Watts, MD, MPH
[email protected]
802-295-9363 · ext. 5235
Email the study team

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Do you actually qualify for this trial?

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Eligibility criteria

Inclusion

Age between 19 and 70
Eligible for VA healthcare
Moderate to severe PTSD as determined by a total score of at least 25 on the CAPS within 7 days of randomization.
Agree to have CAPS audio recorded.
Ability to obtain a Motor Threshold using the TMS device during screening.
If female with childbearing potential, use of acceptable method of birth control (i.e., use of contraceptives, abstinence).
Able to read, understand, and sign the informed consent document.

Exclusion

Pregnant or lactating woman.
MRI is contraindicated
Current use of clozapine (any dose) or bupropion (more than 300mg per day).
Cardiac pacemaker or implantable defibrillator.
Presence of any metal object in the head, including cochlear implants, but excluding dental work in the mouth.
Significant central nervous system disorder (stroke, brain mass, epilepsy).
Seizure in past one year.
Current psychosis or mania.
Significant suicidal ideation.
Unstable medical conditions.
Current alcohol or substance use disorder (except nicotine) that interferes with the patient's ability to participate.
CPT or PE for PTSD in the past 2 months.
Changes in Fluoxetine, Paroxetine, Sertraline, or Venlafaxine in the past 2 months.
Color blind
Currently participating in other research studies.
Aneurysm Clip
Ocular foreign body (e.g., metal shavings)
Any implanted device (pumps, infusion devices, etc.)
Shrapnel injuries or metal fragments

What this trial measures

  • Frequency and intensity of PTSD symptoms as assessed by the CAPS-5From enrollment to the end of treatment at 3 months

    The CAPS is a clinician-administered scale of PTSD symptoms, which queries the frequency and intensity of symptoms of PTSD

  • 20 item self-report of PTSD symptoms assessed by PCL-5From enrollment to the end of treatment at 3 months

    It asks participants to rate the severity of each of the 20 symptoms of PTSD in DSM-5