🏛️ Verified NIH Record • Updated 2026-04-30

Neuromodulation of the Fear Extinction Circuit Using Temporally and Anatomically Specific TMS in Humans (NCT05368987)

🟢 Recruiting Observational / Diagnostic ⚙️ Medical Device Protocol Sponsor: The University of Texas Health Science Center, Houston

🩺 Plain-English Summary (8th-Grade Level)

This study aims to explore the mechanisms of how transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) impacts fear circuits. The overarching objectives are to understand how varying TMS parameters affect targeted brain regions in order to optimize its impact on enhancing fear extinction memory consolidation in a population with known fear extinction deficiencies: post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). 250 subjects will take part in this research study across UTHealth Houston. The study will include preliminary screenings, baseline visits, and experimental visits across four days

Who can join: To join this study, participants generally need to meet the listed inclusion criteria (3 items) and avoid the listed exclusions (12 items).

Location: UTHealth Houston — Houston, Texas

Age range: 18 Years to 70 Years

🧪 Interventions in This Study

📋 "Do I Qualify?" — 1-Minute Self Screener

Instant Checklist

Check every box below. If you can check all of them, you may meet the study's basic screening requirements (final eligibility is confirmed by the site team).

Usually NOT eligible if any of the following apply:

  • Exclusion Criteria:
  • Lifetime history of seizure or significant head trauma or other significant neurologic disease (e.g., tic disorder)
  • History of serious/significant psychiatric diagnoses ("Axis I" diagnoses)
  • Current significant suicidal ideation, plan or intent or suicidal behavior in past 6 months based on CSSRS and clinical judgment or Self-injurious behavior that involves suicidal intent, requires medical attention, or occurs daily
  • Use of neuroleptics within one year prior to study
  • Current substance use
  • Pregnancy (to be ruled out by urine β-HCG).
  • Metallic implants or devices contraindicating magnetic resonance imaging.
  • Currently taking medications that lower the seizure threshold. These include antipsychotics, high dose theophylline or stimulants such as methylphenidate. Patients taking bupropion must be on a stable dose (\*last 3 months) and take less than or equal to 300 mg/day.
  • Implanted devices in subject's head (shunts, cochlear implants); metal in subject's head (other than dental implants).
  • High risk of adverse emotional or behavioral reaction, and/or an inability to understand study procedures or the informed consent process
  • Additional exclusion criteria for Healthy controls (HC) group: Current psychiatric diagnosis ("Axis I" diagnosis)

🔍 Extracted verbatim from the official NIH eligibility criteria. Always confirm with the study coordinator.

📍 All Participating Trial Locations (1 Sites)

  • UTHealth Houston — Houston, Texas

📞 Contact the Study Coordinator

Phone: (713) 486-2754

Email: Mohammed.R.Milad@uth.tmc.edu

Coordinator details come directly from the registered NIH protocol. Confirm the study is still recruiting before traveling.

💰 Cost, Insurance & Patient Rights

  • 100% Free Items: The investigational treatment and protocol-required procedures are supplied at zero cost by the sponsor.
  • Routine Patient Care: Under federal law (ACA § 2709) and many state statutes, routine care costs are covered during participation.
  • Voluntary Participation: You may withdraw at any time without affecting your standard medical care.

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💡 How to Participate

  1. Check the checklist above to see if you may qualify.
  2. Contact the study coordinator using the phone/email above.
  3. Ask about the visit schedule, what is covered at no cost, and any travel support.
  4. Confirm with your own doctor before making a decision.
🏛️ View Official NIH Record ↗