Brain zaps boost PTSD therapy? tiny study hints at hope

NCT ID NCT06271733

Completed Symptom relief Sponsor: Rush University Medical Center Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

First seen Jun 27, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026

Summary

This pilot study tested whether adding a type of brain stimulation called TMS to an intensive 2-week PTSD program could improve symptoms in veterans. Six participants received daily TMS sessions alongside their regular therapy. The study measured changes in PTSD and depression symptoms using standard questionnaires.

What this could mean

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

Active substance: transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS)
What this could lead to: If it works, this could point toward a faster, more effective way to treat PTSD by adding brain stimulation to intensive therapy.
What could go wrong: This is a very small pilot study with only 6 participants, so results may not apply to everyone. It is too early to know if the combination is truly better than therapy alone.

This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.

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Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

post-traumatic stress disorder

As listed by the trial registrant

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

PTSD

Contacts and locations

Locations

Rush University Medical Center

Chicago, Illinois, 60612, United States

More trials for these conditions

Other studies related to the condition(s) this trial covers.