Magnetic pulses to the brain may calm irritability
NCT ID NCT07678060
First seen Jul 01, 2026 · Last updated Jul 02, 2026 · Updated 1 time
Summary
This study tests whether a noninvasive technique called repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) can reduce irritability by targeting brain circuits involved in frustration. About 20 adults with elevated irritability will receive rTMS while researchers measure brain activity, grip force, and self-reported frustration. The goal is to see if this approach can safely ease irritability symptoms.
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 point toward a noninvasive brain stimulation treatment for irritability in people with mental health conditions.
- What could go wrong
- This is a small pilot study with only 20 participants, so results may not apply broadly. The treatment is experimental and may not reduce irritability as hoped.
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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20 people
The number who actually took part.
- Started
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Sep 2024
- Expected to finish
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Aug 2026
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 25 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: * able to give informed consent in English * elevated levels of irritability, defined as scoring ≥5 on the Affective Reactivity Index (ARI) * Absence of cognitive impairment. Must have an IQ equivalent of ≥ 70 on the WASI * Absence of MRI or TMS contraindications Exclusion Criteria: * History of any neurological disorder that would increase seizure risk from rTMS such as stroke, brain lesions, previous neurosurgery, any history of seizure or fainting episode of unknown cause, or head trauma resulting in loss of consciousness, lasting over 30 minutes or with sequela lasting longer than one month. * First-degree family history of any neurological disorder with a potentially hereditary basis, including epilepsy or multiple sclerosis. * Cardiac pacemakers, neural stimulators, implantable defibrillator, implanted medication pumps or sensors, intracardiac lines, or acute, unstable cardiac disease, with intracranial implants (e.g. aneurysm clips, shunts, stimulators, cochlear implants, or electrodes) or any other metal object in the body that precludes rTMS or MRI administration. * Current use of any investigational drug or of anti or pro-convulsive action. * Use of benzodiazepines. * Lifetime history of schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, mania, autism spectrum disorder, intellectual disability, hypomania, or post-traumatic stress disorder. * History of myocardial infarction, angina, congestive heart failure, cardiomyopathy, stroke or transient ischemic attack. * Participation in any TMS session less than 2 weeks prior to admission. (No TMS exposure for treatment purposes in the last 6 months.) * History or current substance use disorder, excluding cannabis use disorder. * Major medical illnesses. * An acute risk of hurting themselves or others. * Pregnant or lactating women. * Participant-reported history of severe claustrophobia. * Excessive weight beyond the MRI limit (\> 450 lbs)
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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.
Contacts and locations
Locations
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Hartford Healthcare
Hartford, Connecticut, 06102, United States
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