Two Types of Magnetic Brain Stimulation for PTSD Together With Major Depression
Compares two magnetic brain stimulation methods against sham in adults with PTSD and depression.
Plain-language title generated from the registry record
Registry title: To Investigate the Change of Brain and Autonomic Function From Different Protocols of Repeated Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation Therapy for Patients With Post-traumatic Stress Disorder Comorbid Major Depressive Disorder
Key facts
- Where
- Taipei, TaiwanSee the site
Could this be for you?
Answer for yourself. This is not a decision: only the study team can say whether you can take part.
- Are you between 18 and 65 years old?
Source: NCT07327385, who can take part
Where in Taiwan
- Tri-Service General HospitalTaipei, TaiwanNo longer taking part
Questions to ask the study team
- How often do I need to come in, and for how long each time?
- Are travel costs paid?
- Can I keep my own doctor?
- What happens if I want to stop?
Trial details
- Who runs it
- Tri-Service General Hospital (TSGH)
- Trial code
- NCT07327385
- Record updated
- 17 February 2026
- Original description
This study aims to investigate the immediate neurophysiological and autonomic effects of two noninvasive brain stimulation protocols-prolonged intermittent theta-burst stimulation (prolonged iTBS) and high-frequency repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (HF-rTMS)-in patients with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) comorbid with major depressive disorder (MDD). Using a randomized, double-blind, sham-controlled crossover design, changes in prefrontal cortical activity measured by functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS) and autonomic nervous system function measured by heart rate variability (HRV) will be assessed before and immediately after a single stimulation session.Read full original descriptionShow less
The Pathophysiological Mechanisms and Novel Treatments Linking Stress and Mental Health Conditions -To Investigate the Change of Brain and Autonomic Function From Different Protocols of Repeated Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation Therapy for Patients With Post-traumatic Stress Disorder Comorbid Major Depressive Disorder: a Randomized, Double-blind, Crossover Study
This study aims to investigate the immediate neurophysiological and autonomic effects of two noninvasive brain stimulation protocols-prolonged intermittent theta-burst stimulation (prolonged iTBS) and high-frequency repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (HF-rTMS)-in patients with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) comorbid with major depressive disorder (MDD). Using a randomized, double-blind, sham-controlled crossover design, changes in prefrontal cortical activity measured by functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS) and autonomic nervous system function measured by heart rate variability (HRV) will be assessed before and immediately after a single stimulation session.
Inclusion: Adults aged 18 to 65 years; Clinical diagnosis of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) according to DSM-5 criteria, confirmed by a board-certified psychiatrist; Presence of comorbid major depressive disorder with stable clinical condition; PTSD symptom severity defined as: PTSD Checklist for DSM-5, Chinese version (C-PCL-5) total score ≥ 31; Depressive symptom severity defined as: Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9) total score ≥ 10; Stable psychiatric medication regimen for at least 4 weeks prior to enrollment, or medication-free; Ability to understand the study procedures and provide written informed consent; Normal or corrected-to-normal vision and hearing; Ability to comply with study procedures and visit schedule.
Exclusion: Prior exposure to repetitive TMS treatment exceeding five sessions; Presence of implanted metallic or electronic medical devices (e.g., pacemakers, cochlear implants, neurostimulators); Lifetime diagnosis of schizophrenia spectrum disorders, bipolar disorder, or pervasive developmental disorders; Alcohol or substance use disorder (excluding caffeine and nicotine) within the past 6 months; Current or recent (within the past year) suicidal ideation or behavior, defined as: PHQ-9 item 9 score ≥ 1, confirmed by clinical psychiatric evaluation; History of epilepsy, seizure disorder, or family history of epilepsy; Significant neurological disorders, severe traumatic brain injury, or history of brain surgery; Uncontrolled major medical illnesses or severe cardiovascular disease; Skin lesions or infections at the stimulation site; Use of medications known to significantly lower seizure threshold (e.g., tricyclic antidepressants or certain analgesics); Any condition deemed by the investigator to render the participant unsuitable for rTMS; Ongoing trauma-focused psychotherapy during the study period; Self-injurious behavior requiring medical attention within the past 3 months; Pregnancy or breastfeeding.