Shock therapy for PTSD? brain stimulation shows promise in new trial

NCT ID NCT02900053

Completed Symptom relief Sponsor: University Hospital, Tours Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

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

Summary

This study tested whether a mild electrical brain stimulation technique called tDCS could improve the results of trauma-focused therapy for people with PTSD. 63 adults with chronic PTSD received either real tDCS or a fake version during therapy sessions. The goal was to see if the brain stimulation helped reduce PTSD symptoms more than therapy alone.

What this could mean

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

Active substance: transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS)
What this could lead to: If it works, this could offer a new way to boost the effects of talk therapy for PTSD, helping people feel better faster.
What could go wrong: This is a small, early-stage study with only 63 people. The results may not apply to everyone, and the benefit over standard therapy is uncertain.

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.

POST-TRAUMATIC STRESS DISORDER

Contacts and locations

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Locations

CHU Angers

Angers, 49933, France
CHU Nantes

Nantes, 44000, France
CHU Poitiers

Poitiers, 86021, France
CHU Rennes

Rennes, 35703, France
CHU Tours

Tours, 37044, France

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