Brain zapping therapy shows promise for PTSD in new trial

NCT ID NCT02990793

First seen Jun 26, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026 · Updated 1 time

Summary

This study tested a personalized magnetic brain stimulation therapy called MeRT for people with PTSD. 158 adults received either real or sham treatment. The goal was to see if MeRT could safely reduce PTSD symptoms. The approach tailors the stimulation to each person's brain waves.

What this could mean

Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.

Active substance

magnetic brain stimulation (MeRT)

What this could lead to

If it works, this could offer a new, personalized treatment option to ease PTSD symptoms without medication.

What could go wrong

This is a completed trial, but results are not yet widely confirmed. The treatment is still experimental, and not all participants may benefit. Risks include discomfort or lack of effect.

Disclaimer Read more

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.

Our safety recommendation!

By submitting, you agree to our Terms of use

Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

Brain Concussion Brain Injuries, Traumatic post-traumatic stress disorder traumatic brain injury

As listed by the trial registrant

The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.

Contacts and locations

Locations

  • BrainHealth Solutions

    Costa Mesa, California, 92626, United States

  • Center for Interventional Pain and Spine

    Bryn Mawr, Pennsylvania, 19010, United States

  • Columbus Brain Research Center

    Columbus, Ohio, 43219, United States

  • Seattle Neuropsychiatric Treatment Center (Seattle NTC)

    Bellevue, Washington, 98004, United States

  • SoCal Neuroscience Research Unit

    San Diego, California, 92103, United States

  • Texas A&M Research Center

    Plano, Texas, 75093, United States

  • UNC Rex Hospital

    Raleigh, North Carolina, 27607, United States

  • VA Long Beach Healthcare System

    Long Beach, California, 90822, United States