RECRUITING

A Mechanistic Trial of the Neurobiology of Extinction Learning and Intraparietal Sulcus Stimulation

Description

This study will be the first of its kind to explore the impact of continuous theta burst stimulation (cTBS) to the intraparietal sulcus (IPS) on arousal symptoms among patients with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). The investigators will demonstrate that IPS cTBS results in significant reduction in arousal (measured by startle response) compared to sham cTBS, that IPS cTBS interacts with extinction training to further improve arousal, and that there is a dose/response effect of cTBS on arousal. The investigators will also demonstrate that IPS cTBS significantly improves retention of extinction learning, the experimental analogue of exposure therapy.

Study Overview

Study Details

Study overview

This study will be the first of its kind to explore the impact of continuous theta burst stimulation (cTBS) to the intraparietal sulcus (IPS) on arousal symptoms among patients with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). The investigators will demonstrate that IPS cTBS results in significant reduction in arousal (measured by startle response) compared to sham cTBS, that IPS cTBS interacts with extinction training to further improve arousal, and that there is a dose/response effect of cTBS on arousal. The investigators will also demonstrate that IPS cTBS significantly improves retention of extinction learning, the experimental analogue of exposure therapy.

A Mechanistic Trial of the Neurobiology of Extinction Learning and Intraparietal Sulcus Stimulation

A Mechanistic Trial of the Neurobiology of Extinction Learning and Intraparietal Sulcus Stimulation

Condition
Posttraumatic Stress Disorder
Intervention / Treatment

-

Contacts and Locations

Philadelphia

Center for the Treatment and Study of Anxiety, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States, 19104

Participation Criteria

Researchers look for people who fit a certain description, called eligibility criteria. Some examples of these criteria are a person's general health condition or prior treatments.

For general information about clinical research, read Learn About Studies.

Eligibility Criteria

  • * Adult aged 18-60
  • * Meets Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5) criteria for PTSD according to the Clinician-Administered PTSD Scale for DSM-5
  • * No metal implants
  • * Pregnancy
  • * Seizure disorder or epilepsy
  • * Increased risk of seizure
  • * Non-English speaking
  • * Any medical condition that increases risk for fMRI or cTBS
  • * Medical implant
  • * Hearing loss sufficient to interfere with startle
  • * Claustrophobia
  • * Recent medication or therapy changes (in the past 8 weeks)
  • * Current severe substance use disorder

Ages Eligible for Study

18 Years to 60 Years

Sexes Eligible for Study

ALL

Accepts Healthy Volunteers

No

Collaborators and Investigators

University of Pennsylvania,

Lily A Brown, PhD, PRINCIPAL_INVESTIGATOR, University of Pennsylvania

Study Record Dates

2028-10-31