Zapping the brain to forget fear: new study targets PTSD prevention
NCT ID NCT05560113
First seen Jun 25, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026 · Updated 1 time
Summary
This study explores whether a non-invasive brain stimulation technique called cTBS can disrupt the consolidation of fear memories shortly after a traumatic event. Researchers will use functional MRI and skin conductance responses to measure changes in brain connections and fear reactions. The goal is to see if this approach could reduce the risk of developing PTSD in people who have experienced trauma.
What this could mean
Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only, not medical advice or a prediction.
- Active substance
- continuous theta burst stimulation (cTBS)
- What this could lead to
- If successful, this could point toward a new way to prevent PTSD by weakening traumatic memories shortly after they form.
- What could go wrong
- This is an early proof-of-principle study with only 66 participants. It tests a lab-based fear response, not real trauma, and may not translate to clinical benefit.
This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.
Study facts
What this study's own registry entry says, in plain language.
- Phase
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Not a phased trial
Phase numbers describe drug development. The registry uses this when they do not apply, as it does for trials of devices, procedures or behaviour changes, and for observational studies.
- Participants
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About 66 people
The number the study aims to enrol. It can still change while the study runs.
- Started
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Nov 2022
- Expected to finish
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Dec 2028
An estimate. End dates often move.
- Lead sponsor
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Other sponsor
The registry's catch-all category, for sponsors it does not file as a company, a government agency, or a research network.
Who can take part
This study's own entry requirements. Only the study team can say for certain whether you qualify.
- Ages
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18 to 65 years
- Sex
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Anyone
- Healthy volunteers
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Not accepted
This study is not open to healthy volunteers. The entry requirements below say who it is open to.
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Copied word for word from the study's registry entry, so the wording is the study team's rather than ours.
Inclusion Criteria: * Ability to provide informed consent * Willingness to participate in study * No history of musculoskeletal impairment or neurological disease * Clinical diagnosis of PTSD for individuals in the PTSD group. Exclusion Criteria: * Any participant outside the age range * Participants that show signs of dementia (score \< 20 on the Montreal Cognitive Assessment) * Participants that have a history of major head trauma, a neurodegenerative disorder, or recent (\<6 months) substance abuse; * Participants that had a recent history of Central Nervous System (CNS) active drugs that may influence cortical excitability or learning; or * Participants that report contraindications to TMS or MRI - if participating in the TMS/MRI experiments * Current psychoactive medication usage * Current symptoms of psychosis or bipolar disorder (as indicated by study staff through a clinical interview as part of that study). * The study will exclude adults unable to consent, individuals who are not yet adults, pregnant women and prisoners on scientific grounds and to minimize risk.
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Conditions
The condition(s) this trial relates to.
As listed by the trial registrant
The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.
How to take part
Only the study team decides who joins. These are the ways to reach them.
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The places running it
2 sites. The list below names each one and where it is.
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The official record
ClinicalTrials.gov lists the study team's own contact details, including names and phone numbers. We don't republish those.
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A doctor treating you
A doctor who knows your case can contact a study site on your behalf, and can tell you whether this study is worth pursuing at all.
Contacts and locations
Locations
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Emory Rehabilitation Hospital
RECRUITINGAtlanta, Georgia, 30322, United States
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Emory University Hospital
RECRUITINGAtlanta, Georgia, 30322, United States
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