Brain zaps may supercharge emotion control therapy

NCT ID NCT05712057

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

Summary

This study tests whether combining a one-time session of brain stimulation (rTMS or electrical scalp stimulation) with emotion regulation training helps people with mood, anxiety, or related disorders better control their emotions. 240 participants will learn either cognitive restructuring or emotional awareness skills while receiving targeted brain stimulation. Researchers will measure changes in brain activity and emotional responses immediately, at one week, and at one month after the session.

What this could mean

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

Active substance

repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) and electrical scalp stimulation

What this could lead to

If successful, this could point toward a more effective, brain-based approach to help people with emotional dysregulation learn to manage their emotions better.

What could go wrong

This is an early-stage study with only one training session, so any benefits may be small or short-lived. The results may not apply to everyone with emotional difficulties.

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.

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Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

adjustment disorder anxiety disorder attention deficit-hyperactivity disorder borderline personality disorder Disruptive, Impulse Control, and Conduct Disorders eating disorder Emotional Regulation Feeding and Eating Disorders impulse control disorder mood disorder obsessive-compulsive disorder obsessive-compulsive personality disorder post-traumatic stress disorder Stress Disorders, Traumatic

As listed by the trial registrant

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

Contacts and locations

Study contacts

  • Contact

    Phone: •••-•••-•••• Email: •••••@•••••

  • Contact

    Phone: •••-•••-•••• Email: •••••@•••••

Locations

  • Duke University Medical Center

    RECRUITING

    Durham, North Carolina, 27710, United States

    Contact Phone: •••-•••-•••• Email: •••••@•••••

    Contact

    Contact

    Contact