TMS for PTSD in Youth

Overview

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.

Trauma is a common occurrence among youth. Almost 60% of American youths experience a traumatic event before age 18, such as physical or sexual abuse, sudden loss of caregivers, or witnessing violence in the community or the home. Distress after a significantly traumatic event is to be expected, but for some youths, symptoms of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) linger for months or years, and can become chronic if left untreated. Symptoms of PTSD can include upsetting memories, avoidance of reminders, and emotional numbing, and other symptoms. These symptoms can create difficulties for family relationships, friendships, and schoolwork. Currently, the most effective treatment for PTSD is talk therapy (trauma-focused psychotherapy). However, sometimes young people continue to have symptoms of PTSD after completing talk therapy, and it is currently not known the best way to help with these persistent symptoms. In this study, the total length of time participants will be involved in the study is about 16-weeks. During that time, participants will be asked to attend approximately 6 research visits and 10 treatment visits, for a total of 16 visits. The 6 research visits include a screening visit, an interview visit, 2 MRI visits, and 2 follow-up visits. The screening, interview, and follow-up visits can be completed virtually, over zoom. The study will include 2 MRI visits and 10 treatment visits. Virtual follow-up visits will be conducted 1 and 3 months after completion of treatment and will include interviews and questionnaires about participants symptoms.