NCT07401225 · The University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio
TMS for PTSD in Youth
What this study is about
The purpose of this study is to test whether transcranial magnetic stimulation, or TMS, is an acceptable and helpful treatment for ongoing symptoms of posttraumatic stress syndrome disorder (PTSD) in 12-20 year olds. Ongoing PTSD refers to symptoms that continue after completing trauma-focused psychotherapy. About 1 in 4 patients need additional help to overcome PTSD after completing psychotherapy.
View original scientific description
The purpose of this study is to test whether transcranial magnetic stimulation, or TMS, is an acceptable and helpful treatment for ongoing symptoms of posttraumatic stress syndrome disorder (PTSD) in 12-20 year olds. Ongoing PTSD refers to symptoms that continue after completing trauma-focused psychotherapy. About 1 in 4 patients need additional help to overcome PTSD after completing psychotherapy. Currently, scientists do not know the best way to help adolescents with persistent PTSD, and this study will test TMS as a possible treatment, and hopefully lead to future studies including more people.
Interventions
DEVICE
MagPro R30 with robotic arm
TMS will be delivered to the right anterior dorsolateral frontal cortex. The accelerated protocol consists of 1,800 TMS pulses per session, delivered at intensity ranges designed to deliver depth-corrected E-fields of 80-95 volts/meter. The exact intensity will be determined when the participant's treatment plan is developed. Once a patient's TMS treatment plan has been created, it will be used for every treatment session for that participant.
Primary outcome measures
Side Effects of TMS treatment
Time frame: Day 1 of treatment through Day 30
number of side effects reported per participant
Number of Adverse Events
Time frame: Day 1 of treatment through Day 30
Number of adverse events experienced by study participants through the treatment phase of the study
Completion rate of Treatment
Time frame: Day 1 of treatment through Day 30
Number of participants that completed the TMS treatment
Who can participate
This study lists these criteria on ClinicalTrials.gov. A study coordinator reviews eligibility during screening — this page does not determine whether you qualify.
Inclusion criteria
- Males and females; Age 12-20
- Have previously completed at least 9 sessions of trauma-focused therapy in our clinical trial or in the community
- Have current self-reported symptom score of 20 or greater on the UCLA PTSD Reaction index
- Willing to attend 10 TMS treatment sessions within a 30-day period
- Fluent in English
Exclusion criteria
- History of seizures
- History of head injury with loss of consciousness and concussive sequelae
- Brain abnormality such as tumor or other observable abnormality
- Currently receiving psychotherapy or TMS treatment
- Currently pregnant
- MRI contraindications (metal in body, orthodontic braces)
- Diagnosis of bipolar 1 or a psychotic disorder
Where
- San Antonio, Texas
Collaborators
Texas Child Mental Health Care Consortium: TCMHCC
Related conditions & keywords
Frequently asked questions
What is a clinical trial?
A clinical trial is a research study that tests new medical treatments, drugs, devices, or procedures to determine their safety and effectiveness. Trials are carefully designed and monitored to protect participants while advancing medical knowledge.
Is it safe to participate?
Clinical trials follow strict safety guidelines and ethical standards. Trials must be reviewed and approved, and participants are closely monitored by medical professionals throughout the study. You can withdraw at any time if you choose.
Will I be compensated?
Many clinical trials offer compensation for your time, travel expenses, and inconvenience. The specific compensation varies by study and will be discussed during the screening process. All study-related medical care is typically provided at no cost to participants.
Will I receive a placebo instead of treatment?
When effective treatment exists, participants typically receive either the standard treatment plus the study intervention, or the standard treatment plus placebo. You would not be denied effective care. Placebos are primarily used when no proven treatment is available, or in addition to standard care. Your trial consent form will clearly explain what treatments you may receive.
Can I leave a trial if I change my mind?
Absolutely. Participation in clinical trials is completely voluntary. You have the right to withdraw from the study at any time, for any reason, without penalty or loss of benefits to which you are otherwise entitled.
How long does a clinical trial last?
Trial duration varies widely depending on the study design and purpose. Some trials last just a few weeks, while others may continue for months or years. The study coordinator will provide specific timeline information during your screening call.
Data: ClinicalTrials.gov · synced May 6, 2026 · Source of record for eligibility and locations