Actively Recruiting

Phase Not Applicable
Age: 18Years - 70Years
All Genders
Healthy Volunteers
NCT05368987

Neuromodulation of the Fear Extinction Circuit Using Temporally and Anatomically Specific TMS in Humans

Led by The University of Texas Health Science Center, Houston · Updated on 2026-05-05

250

Participants Needed

1

Research Sites

347 weeks

Total Duration

On this page

Sponsors

T

The University of Texas Health Science Center, Houston

Lead Sponsor

N

National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH)

Collaborating Sponsor

AI-Summary

What this Trial Is About

This study aims to explore the mechanisms of how transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) impacts fear circuits. The overarching objectives are to understand how varying TMS parameters affect targeted brain regions in order to optimize its impact on enhancing fear extinction memory consolidation in a population with known fear extinction deficiencies: post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). 250 subjects will take part in this research study across UTHealth Houston. The study will include preliminary screenings, baseline visits, and experimental visits across four days

CONDITIONS

Official Title

Neuromodulation of the Fear Extinction Circuit Using Temporally and Anatomically Specific TMS in Humans

Who Can Participate

Age: 18Years - 70Years
All Genders
Healthy Volunteers

Eligibility Criteria

Eligible

You may qualify if you...

  • Willing and able to provide informed consent
  • For PTSD group: diagnosis of current PTSD
  • For healthy control group: no current psychiatric disorders ("Axis I" disorders)
Not Eligible

You will not qualify if you...

  • History of seizures, significant head trauma, or other major neurological diseases
  • Serious psychiatric diagnoses ("Axis I" disorders)
  • Current significant suicidal thoughts or behavior in past 6 months
  • Use of neuroleptics within one year prior to study
  • Current substance use
  • Pregnancy
  • Metallic implants or devices that prevent MRI
  • Taking medications that lower seizure threshold (with exceptions for stable bupropion use)
  • Implanted devices or metal in the head (except dental implants)
  • High risk of emotional or behavioral reactions or inability to understand consent
  • For healthy controls: any current psychiatric diagnosis ("Axis I" disorders)

AI-Screening

AI-Powered Screening

Complete this quick 3-step screening to check your eligibility

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Trial Site Locations

Total: 1 location

1

UTHealth Houston

Houston, Texas, United States, 77054

Actively Recruiting

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Research Team

M

Mohammed Milad, PhD

CONTACT

How is the study designed?

Study Type

INTERVENTIONAL

Masking

NONE

Allocation

NA

Model

SINGLE_GROUP

Primary Purpose

BASIC_SCIENCE

Number of Arms

1

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Neuromodulation of the Fear Extinction Circuit Using Temporally and Anatomically Specific TMS in Humans | DecenTrialz