Could magnetic pulses to the brain ease unexplained physical symptoms?

NCT ID NCT05161819

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

Summary

This study tests whether a non-invasive brain stimulation technique called repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) can reduce physical distress and health anxiety in people with somatic symptom disorder. Thirty adults aged 20–70 will receive either real or sham rTMS in a crossover design, meaning each person will try both. The goal is to see if this treatment can help when standard options haven't worked.

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)

What this could lead to

If it works, this could offer a non-drug option to ease troubling physical symptoms and health worries for people with somatic symptom disorder.

What could go wrong

This is a small, early-phase study with only 30 participants, so results may not apply to everyone. The sham control means some may not benefit, and rTMS can cause mild side effects like headache or scalp discomfort.

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.

somatization disorder somatoform disorder

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: •••••@•••••

Locations

  • National Taiwan University Hospital Yunlin Branch

    RECRUITING

    Douliu, Yunlin, 640, Taiwan

    Contact Email: •••••@•••••

    Contact