TMS for Anxiety and Trauma-related Disorders

Launched by SHANGHAI MENTAL HEALTH CENTER · Jun 20, 2024

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

This clinical trial is studying a new treatment for people who struggle with anxiety and trauma-related disorders, such as generalized anxiety disorder, social anxiety disorder, panic disorder, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). The researchers are using a technique called accelerated intermittent theta burst stimulation (aiTBS) with transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS), which is a non-invasive method that uses magnetic fields to stimulate nerve cells in the brain. The goal is to see if this treatment can help reduce anxiety symptoms in participants.

To be eligible for the trial, participants need to be between 18 and 60 years old, diagnosed with one of the anxiety disorders mentioned, and able to understand and sign consent forms. They should also have been on stable medication or therapy for at least six weeks before joining the study. However, people with certain health issues, such as severe mental disorders, a history of brain surgery, or those who are pregnant, will not be able to participate. If you join the study, you can expect to receive the aiTBS treatment and participate in assessments to track your progress. This trial is currently looking for participants, so it’s a great opportunity for those seeking help with their anxiety.

Gender

ALL

Eligibility criteria

• Inclusion Criteria:
• • 1. Diagnosis of generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), social anxiety disorder (SAD), panic disorder (PD), and/or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) as defined by DSM-5 criteria.
• • 2. Male or female between 18 and 60 years old.
• • 3. Right-handed.
• • 4. Can understand and sign an informed consent document.
• • 5. Beck Anxiety Inventory (BAI) score of 16 or higher.
• • 6. On a stable medication/psychotherapy regimen for at least 6 weeks prior to baseline visit and throughout the duration of the study.
• • 7. In good general health, as ascertained by medical history.
• • 8. Pharmacological treatment resistance or psychotherapeutic treatment resistance.
• Exclusion Criteria:
• • 1. Substance use disorders, eating disorders, significant suicidal ideation, mental disorder due to a medical or neurocognitive condition, lifetime psychosis, bipolar disorder, developmental disorders.
• • 2. History of brain surgery and epilepsy.
• • 3. Presence of metallic foreign bodies, such as cardiac pacemakers and stents.
• • 4. Any medical condition or medication that increases the risk of seizures.
• • 5. Pregnancy.
• • 6. Intellectual disability.
• • 7. Current severe somatic disease, such as cancer, heart failure, pneumonia, etc.
• • 8. Severe claustrophobia that prevents the use of MRI.