Recruiting

Brain Stimulation Combined With Therapy for Emotion Control Problems

Plain-English translation of NCT05712057 on ClinicalTrials.gov ↗ · Source last updated March 2026 · Translation generated June 2026 · How we translate trials

This study doesn't follow the usual testing phases — it may be an observational study or a different type of research.

What is this trial?

This trial is testing whether a combination of repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS)—a noninvasive brain stimulation technique—plus emotion-regulation training can help adults who have difficulty controlling their emotions. Researchers want to see if this combined approach works better than either treatment alone, and whether it creates lasting changes in how the brain processes emotions.

Many people struggle with emotional dysregulation—difficulty calming down or managing strong feelings—which is linked to anxiety, mood disorders, and other mental health conditions. Current treatments don't work for everyone, so researchers are exploring whether combining brain stimulation with therapy skills can offer a more powerful and lasting solution.

Do you qualify?

You likely qualify if…

you are between 18 and 55 years old
you report significant difficulty controlling your emotions (a high score on emotion regulation screening)
you have been diagnosed with a mood disorder, anxiety disorder, OCD, eating disorder, ADHD, or related condition
you have not tried cognitive restructuring (a specific type of therapy technique) much before
you have never received brain stimulation (rTMS) treatment previously
you have been stable on your current therapy or medications (if any) for at least 4 weeks and are willing to keep them the same during the study

You likely don't qualify if…

you have bipolar I disorder or are currently experiencing symptoms of mania or hypomania
you have a history of psychosis or psychotic symptoms
you have attempted suicide in the past 6 months or are currently having thoughts of suicide with a plan or method
you have moderate-to-severe alcohol or substance use disorder, or severe uncontrolled anorexia
you have certain medical conditions or brain implants that are unsafe for brain stimulation, such as a pacemaker, cochlear implant, or history of seizures

What participation looks like

You will attend a single training session where you will learn emotion-regulation skills (either cognitive restructuring or emotional awareness training) while receiving one of two types of brain stimulation—either rTMS or scalp electrical stimulation—targeted at a specific area of your brain. You will then complete follow-up assessments in the short term and longer term to measure how the treatment affects your emotions and brain function. The study involves brain imaging scans and questionnaires to track your progress.

AI-generated summary from trial data · Jun 8, 2026 · Not medical advice

Brain Stimulation Combined With Therapy for Emotion Control Problems

What is this trial?

Do you qualify?

What participation looks like

Trial locations(1 site)