Plain-English translation of NCT05149534 on ClinicalTrials.gov ↗ · Source last updated · Translation generated · How we translate trials
Read our Post Traumatic Stress Disorder research guide →This study doesn't follow the usual testing phases — it may be an observational study or a different type of research.
This study is testing whether repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS)—a non-invasive procedure that uses magnetic pulses on the scalp to help the brain work better—can make trauma-focused writing therapy more effective for veterans with PTSD. You would receive either real or sham (fake) magnetic stimulation before each writing therapy session to see if the combination helps reduce PTSD symptoms and improves your ability to manage difficult emotions.
Many veterans with PTSD don't fully recover with standard therapy alone. Recent research suggests that magnetic brain stimulation might boost the brain's natural emotion-control systems, potentially making trauma-focused therapy work better and helping more veterans heal.
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You would attend multiple sessions where you first receive magnetic brain stimulation to your scalp (which feels like tapping), then work with a therapist on writing about and processing your trauma. Some participants will receive real stimulation and others sham stimulation (neither you nor the staff will know which), allowing researchers to see if the real treatment makes a difference. The study involves visits over several weeks, with follow-up assessments to track your progress.
AI-generated summary from trial data · Jun 2, 2026 · Not medical advice
United States