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

The University of Texas Health Science Center, Houston · with National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) · NCT05368987

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Key facts

Compensation
Not posted. Ask the study team before screening.
Who can join
Ages 18–70 · All sexes
Healthy volunteers
Accepted
Study type
Interventional · Not applicable
Target enrollment
250
US sites recruiting
1
Study start
February 1, 2022
Record last updated
May 5, 2026

Status re-checked against ClinicalTrials.gov within the last 12 hours.

What the study is about

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

Being studied: Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS); Fear Conditioning and Extinction Paradigm

Conditions: PTSD

Eligibility criteria

Copied from the official record. The study team makes the final decision at screening.

Show full criteria

Inclusion Criteria

  • Willing and able to provide informed consent.
  • Inclusion Criteria for PTSD Subjects - Diagnosis of current PTSD
  • Inclusion Criteria: Healthy Controls (HC) - no current psychiatric disorders ("Axis I" disorders)

Exclusion Criteria

  • 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)

Recruiting US locations

  • UTHealth Houston

    Houston, TX 77054

    Site contact: Mohammed R. Milad, MD · Mohammed.R.Milad@uth.tmc.edu

Study contacts (from the official record)

  • Mohammed Milad, PhD · 713-486-2754 · Mohammed.R.Milad@uth.tmc.edu
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Neuromodulation of the Fear Extinction Circuit Using Temporally… (NCT05368987) | Bored Studies