New brain zapping technique tested for safety in healthy volunteers

NCT ID NCT06868914

Not yet recruiting Knowledge-focused Sponsor: National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

First seen Jun 26, 2026 · Last updated Aug 14, 2026 · Updated 35 times

Summary

This early-stage study tests a new form of transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) called high-density theta burst stimulation (hdTBS) in 35 healthy adults aged 22 to 60. The goal is to check if hdTBS is safe and to compare its effects on the brain to standard TMS. Participants will receive both real and sham stimulation over several visits while researchers monitor side effects and brain activity.

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) using high-density theta burst stimulation (hdTBS)
What this could lead to: If successful, this could pave the way for testing hdTBS as a potential treatment for conditions like depression or addiction.
What could go wrong: This is an early Phase 1 safety study in only 35 healthy volunteers, so results may not apply to patients. The new stimulation method may not work better than existing TMS.

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.

substance-related disorder

As listed by the trial registrant

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

HEALTHY VOLUNTEERS

Contacts and locations

Locations

National Institute on Drug Abuse

Baltimore, Maryland, 21224, United States

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