Brain zaps may boost PTSD therapy by calming fear response
NCT ID NCT06234969
First seen Jun 24, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026 · Updated 2 times
Summary
This study tests whether a non-invasive brain stimulation technique called continuous theta burst stimulation (cTBS) can reduce arousal in people with PTSD. Researchers will apply cTBS to a brain region involved in attention and fear processing, then measure startle responses and distress. The goal is to understand how this stimulation affects the brain's ability to unlearn fear, which could improve exposure therapy. 120 adults with PTSD will participate.
What this could mean
Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.
Active substance
Continuous Theta Burst Stimulation (a type of non-invasive brain stimulation)
What this could lead to
If successful, this could point toward a new way to enhance exposure therapy for PTSD by reducing arousal and improving fear extinction learning.
What could go wrong
This is an early mechanistic study, not a treatment trial. The stimulation is temporary and effects may not translate to real-world symptom relief. Risks include discomfort or seizure (rare).
Disclaimer
Read more
Show less
This is a summary of
the original study
.
Summaries may miss details or leave out important information. Before applying or accepting participation, make sure you have read and understood the full study. Curemydisease.com takes no responsibility whatsoever for anything missed, misunderstood, or acted upon as a result of our summary — we know it does not capture everything.
This is a summary of the original study . Summaries may miss details or leave out important information. Before applying or accepting participation, make sure you have read and understood the full study. Curemydisease.com takes no responsibility whatsoever for anything missed, misunderstood, or acted upon as a result of our summary — we know it does not capture everything.
Get updates
Get notified about this study
Sign up to get updates when this study changes or when new studies for POSTTRAUMATIC STRESS DISORDER are added.
By submitting, you agree to our Terms of use
Conditions
The condition(s) this trial relates to.
As listed by the trial registrant
The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.
Contacts and locations
Show contact details
Enter your email to view the contact information for this study.
By submitting, you agree to our Terms of use
Study contacts
-
Contact
Phone: •••-•••-•••• Email: •••••@•••••
Locations
-
Center for the Treatment and Study of Anxiety, University of Pennsylvania
RECRUITINGPhiladelphia, Pennsylvania, 19104, United States
Contact Phone: •••-•••-•••• Email: •••••@•••••
Contact Phone: •••-•••-•••• Email: •••••@•••••