A Mechanistic Trial of the Neurobiology of Extinction Learning and Intraparietal Sulcus Stimulation (NCT06234969)
🩺 Plain-English Summary (8th-Grade Level)
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.
Who can join: To join this study, participants generally need to meet the listed inclusion criteria (3 items) and avoid the listed exclusions (11 items).
Location: Center for the Treatment and Study of Anxiety, University of Pennsylvania — Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
📋 "Do I Qualify?" — 1-Minute Self Screener
Instant ChecklistCheck every box below. If you can check all of them, you may meet the study's basic screening requirements (final eligibility is confirmed by the site team).
Usually NOT eligible if any of the following apply:
- Exclusion Criteria:
- 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
🔍 Extracted verbatim from the official NIH eligibility criteria. Always confirm with the study coordinator.
📍 All Participating Trial Locations (1 Sites)
- Center for the Treatment and Study of Anxiety, University of Pennsylvania — Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
💰 Cost, Insurance & Patient Rights
- 100% Free Items: The investigational treatment and protocol-required procedures are supplied at zero cost by the sponsor.
- Routine Patient Care: Under federal law (ACA § 2709) and many state statutes, routine care costs are covered during participation.
- Voluntary Participation: You may withdraw at any time without affecting your standard medical care.