Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation for PTSD
What You Need to Know Before You Apply
What is the purpose of this trial?
This trial tests whether transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) can help adolescents with ongoing PTSD symptoms after trauma-focused therapy. TMS uses magnetic fields to stimulate brain nerve cells, potentially reducing PTSD symptoms. Participants will receive TMS treatment in sessions lasting about 10 minutes each, during a 1.5-hour visit. The trial seeks participants aged 12-20 who have completed at least 9 sessions of trauma-focused therapy and still experience significant PTSD symptoms. As an unphased trial, this study offers a unique opportunity to explore a promising treatment for those who have not found relief through traditional therapies.
Do I have to stop taking my current medications for the trial?
The trial information does not specify whether you need to stop taking your current medications. It's best to discuss this with the trial coordinators or your doctor.
What prior data suggests that transcranial magnetic stimulation is safe for adolescents with PTSD?
Studies have shown that transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) is generally safe. For example, research with military personnel found that TMS reduced symptoms without serious side effects. TMS is non-invasive, meaning it doesn't involve surgery or entering the body, which typically enhances its safety.
While the FDA currently approves TMS for treating certain types of depression, its use for posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) remains under study. However, its approval for depression suggests safety when used under medical supervision.
Most side effects from TMS are mild, such as headaches or discomfort where the magnetic pulses are applied, and these effects usually resolve quickly. This study aims to test TMS on younger participants to assess its tolerance in this age group.12345Why are researchers excited about this trial?
Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) is unique because it offers a non-invasive alternative for treating PTSD, unlike the standard medications and talk therapies. While most treatments for PTSD involve medication that alters brain chemistry, TMS directly stimulates specific brain areas using magnetic fields. This targeted approach is exciting for researchers because it has the potential to reduce symptoms more quickly and with fewer side effects than traditional medications. Additionally, the use of a robotic arm for delivering TMS enhances precision, ensuring consistent and accurate treatment sessions.
What evidence suggests that transcranial magnetic stimulation is effective for PTSD?
Research has shown that transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) can help treat PTSD. Studies have found that targeting specific brain areas with TMS reduces PTSD symptoms by altering brain activity related to stress and trauma. Some research also suggests that TMS might reduce inflammation, potentially aiding in managing PTSD symptoms. For teenagers with ongoing PTSD, TMS offers a new option when traditional therapy isn’t enough. Although more research is needed, early results are promising for those who continue to struggle with PTSD after trying other treatments. Participants in this trial will receive TMS treatment using the MagPro R30 with a robotic arm, offering a new avenue for managing PTSD symptoms.34678
Who Is on the Research Team?
Amy S Garrett, PhD
Principal Investigator
The University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio
Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?
This trial is for young people aged 12-20 who still have PTSD symptoms after at least 9 sessions of trauma-focused therapy. They must score 20 or more on the UCLA PTSD Reaction index, be willing to attend 10 TMS treatment sessions in a month, and speak English fluently.Inclusion Criteria
Timeline for a Trial Participant
Screening
Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial
Treatment
Participants receive TMS treatment sessions, with each visit including up to 4 TMS sessions and a brief visit with a psychotherapist
Follow-up
Participants are monitored for safety and effectiveness after treatment, including interviews and questionnaires about symptoms
What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?
Interventions
- MagPro R30 with robotic arm
Trial Overview
The study is testing if TMS using the MagPro R30 with a robotic arm can help treat persistent PTSD in youth. Participants will receive TMS treatments to see if it's an effective additional therapy after standard psychotherapy.
How Is the Trial Designed?
1
Treatment groups
Experimental Treatment
Each treatment visit will take about 1.5 hours. Participants will receive up to 4 TMS treatment sessions during the visit, with each session lasting about 10-minutes. After the TMS sessions, there will be a brief visit with a psychotherapist.
Find a Clinic Near You
Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?
The University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio
Lead Sponsor
Texas Child Mental Health Care Consortium: TCMHCC
Collaborator
Citations
Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation for Post-traumatic Stress ...
Regardless of laterality, TMS application to the DLPFC seems to produce the most effective results in treatment of PTSD. Effectiveness of TMS therapy is ...
Study Details | NCT07401225 | TMS for PTSD in Youth
Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation as Treatment for Persistent PTSD in Texas Youth. Conditions. Posttraumatic Stress Disorder in Adolescents.
rTMS mechanisms for posttraumatic stress disorder ...
Our results suggest that our rTMS treatment was associated with local anti-inflammatory effects and limbic effects, which seemed to counteract PTSD effects.
Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation to Improve Functioning ...
This is a randomized clinical trial enrolling 91 Veterans with PTSD comparing the effectiveness of transcranial magnetic stimulation treatment and sham ...
Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation for PTSD
The study is testing if TMS using the MagPro R30 with a robotic arm can help treat persistent PTSD in youth. Participants will receive TMS treatments to see if ...
Study Details | NCT02853032 | Image-guided, Robotically ...
The MagPro R30 is an advanced, high performance magnetic stimulator designed primarily for non-invasive clinical use. The non-invasive brain stimulation system ...
A retrospective chart review to assess the impact of alpha ...
This data provides preliminary support for safe application of α-rTMS for symptom reduction in active-duty special operations military personnel.
Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation for Post-traumatic Stress ...
Currently, the only FDA- approved to treat refractory depression, but with the potential to treat many other conditions. Introduction. Post-traumatic stress ...
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