Effect of TMS on PTSD Biomarkers

This is an interventional treatment trial for Post Traumatic Stress Disorder focused on measuring Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation, PTSD, Biomarkers, Neuroimaging, Psychophysiology Read More

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.