Actively Recruiting
rTMS-augmented Written Exposure Therapy for PTSD
Led by VA Office of Research and Development · Updated on 2026-01-12
98
Participants Needed
1
Research Sites
264 weeks
Total Duration
On this page
Sponsors
V
VA Office of Research and Development
Lead Sponsor
N
National Center for PTSD
Collaborating Sponsor
AI-Summary
What this Trial Is About
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is prevalent and represents a high healthcare burden among Veterans. Repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) is a brain-based therapy that may be effective for treating PTSD. The theorized mechanism of rTMS is enhancement of emotional flexibility via the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex node of the brain's cognitive control network. Given this mechanism of action, adding rTMS to an evidence-based psychotherapy (EBP) for PTSD may enhance treatment effects. Written exposure therapy (WET) is a brief EBP for PTSD found to reduce attrition compared to lengthier first line treatments. In this study, the investigators will determine if active rTMS added to WET compared with sham rTMS added to WET results in improved PTSD outcomes. The investigators will also determine if emotional flexibility is a mechanism of symptom improvement. This work will improve upon PTSD intervention and inform the mechanism of treatment effectiveness for Veterans suffering from PTSD.
CONDITIONS
Official Title
rTMS-augmented Written Exposure Therapy for PTSD
Who Can Participate
Eligibility Criteria
You may qualify if you...
- Veteran
- Able to speak English and provide written informed consent
- Diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
- Between 18 and 60 years of age
You will not qualify if you...
- History of seizures or serious neurological illnesses such as acquired, developmental, or degenerative brain disorders
- Pregnant women
- Current psychosis, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, or other severe cognitive or psychiatric disorders
- Positive screen for current suicidal intent and plan
- Current substance use disorder or substance use within 12 hours before rTMS session
- Moderate or severe traumatic brain injury (TBI)
- Cognitive impairment with Montreal Cognitive Screen score less than 23/30 or intellectual ability standard score less than 80
- Participation in concurrent evidence-based psychotherapy (EBP) during treatment or follow-up phases
AI-Screening
AI-Powered Screening
Complete this quick 3-step screening to check your eligibility
Trial Site Locations
Total: 1 location
1
Central Texas Veterans Health Care System, Temple, TX
Temple, Texas, United States, 76504-7451
Actively Recruiting
Research Team
C
Crystal M Lantrip
CONTACT
How is the study designed?
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Masking
QUADRUPLE
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Model
PARALLEL
Primary Purpose
TREATMENT
Number of Arms
2
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