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

Description

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

PTSD

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Study Overview

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Study Details

Study overview

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

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

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

Condition
PTSD
Intervention / Treatment

-

Contacts and Locations

Houston

UTHealth Houston, Houston, Texas, United States, 77054

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

  • * Willing and able to provide informed consent.
  • * Inclusion Criteria for PTSD Subjects - Diagnosis of current PTSD
  • *
  • * Lifetime history of seizure or significant head trauma or other significant neurologic disease (e.g., tic disorder)
  • * History of serious/significant psychiatric diagnoses ("Axis I" diagnoses)
  • * Current significant suicidal ideation, plan or intent or suicidal behavior in past 6 months based on CSSRS and clinical judgment or Self-injurious behavior that involves suicidal intent, requires medical attention, or occurs daily
  • * Use of neuroleptics within one year prior to study
  • * Current substance use
  • * Pregnancy (to be ruled out by urine β-HCG).
  • * Metallic implants or devices contraindicating magnetic resonance imaging.
  • * Currently taking medications that lower the seizure threshold. These include antipsychotics, high dose theophylline or stimulants such as methylphenidate. Patients taking bupropion must be on a stable dose (\*last 3 months) and take less than or equal to 300 mg/day.
  • * Implanted devices in subject's head (shunts, cochlear implants); metal in subject's head (other than dental implants).
  • * High risk of adverse emotional or behavioral reaction, and/or an inability to understand study procedures or the informed consent process
  • * Additional exclusion criteria for Healthy controls (HC) group: Current psychiatric diagnosis ("Axis I" diagnosis)

Ages Eligible for Study

18 Years to 70 Years

Sexes Eligible for Study

ALL

Accepts Healthy Volunteers

Yes

Collaborators and Investigators

The University of Texas Health Science Center, Houston,

Mohammed Milad, PhD, PRINCIPAL_INVESTIGATOR, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston (UTHealth Houston)

Study Record Dates

2027-09-30