Brain zaps for PTSD? small study tests TMS on trauma
NCT ID NCT04563078
First seen Jun 26, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026 · Updated 1 time
Summary
This study tested whether transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS), a noninvasive treatment that uses magnetic fields to stimulate brain regions, can improve PTSD symptoms and related brain activity. Fifty adults with partial PTSD received either active TMS or a sham procedure over 10 days. Researchers measured changes in brain scans and stress responses to see if TMS could help. The goal was to assess feasibility and identify new brain targets for future PTSD treatments.
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)
- What this could lead to
- If successful, this could point toward a noninvasive brain stimulation treatment for PTSD symptoms, especially for underserved populations.
- What could go wrong
- This is a small, early-stage feasibility study with only 50 participants. Results may not apply broadly, and TMS may not improve symptoms for everyone.
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
-
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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50 people
The number who actually took part.
- Started
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Feb 2021
- Finished
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Sep 2025
- 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.
Show the full entry requirements Hide the full entry requirements
Copied word for word from the study's registry entry, so the wording is the study team's rather than ours.
Inclusion Criteria: * Men and women 18-65 years of age. * Meet for partial PTSD, defined as 3 out of 4 symptom clusters always including cluster E (alterations in arousal and reactivity) according to the DSM-5 criteria using the Clinician-Administered PTSD Scale (CAPS-5). * Capable and willing to provide informed consent. * Able to adhere to the treatment schedule. Exclusion Criteria: * Having active suicidal intent or plan as defined by a positive answer to questions 4 and/or 5 on the Columbia-Suicide Severity Rating Scale (C-SSRS): Screening version; or in the clinician's opinion, is likely to attempt suicide within the next six months. * Unstable psychotropic medication status. Participants taking psychotropic medications (i.e.,antidepressants, antipsychotics, benzodiazepines and anticonvulsants, etc.) can be enrolled in the study as long as medication type and dose has been stable for at least 6 weeks, and additionally, medication type or dose does not change during the course of the study. * Lifetime diagnosis of psychotic disorder or bipolar I disorder per diagnostic interview. * Diagnosed with the following conditions: a neurological disorder, including a history of seizures, cerebrovascular disease, primary or secondary tumors in CNS, stroke, cerebral aneurysm or movement disorder or any lifetime history of loss of consciousness for more than 5 minutes due to head injury. * History of cranial surgery, metallic particles in the eye or head (exclusive of mouth), implanted cardiac pacemaker or any intra-cardiac lines, implanted neurostimulators, intra-cranial implants (e.g., aneurysm clips, shunts, stimulators, cochlear implants, or electrodes) or implanted medical pumps. * Current substance abuse or dependence as indicated by a score of 6 or higher on the Drug Abuse Screening Test (DAST). * Current alcohol abuse or dependence as indicated by a score of 8 or higher on the Alcohol Use Disorder Identification Test (AUDIT). * Being pregnant or a positive pregnancy test at the beginning of each TMS treatment week for sexually active women of childbearing age who are on reliable birth control. * Currently participating in another clinical study or enrolled in another clinical study within 30 days prior to this study or started (new) treatment for PTSD within 3 months prior to this study. * Previously treated with TMS.
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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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Grady Hospital
Atlanta, Georgia, 30322, United States
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