Effect of cTBS on Startle and TMS-evoked BOLD (NCT07415772) | Clinical Trial Compass
Not Yet RecruitingNot Applicable
Effect of cTBS on Startle and TMS-evoked BOLD
United States140 participantsStarted 2026-09-01
Plain-language summary
The right dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (dlPFC) is increasingly being targeted with transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) to reduce anxiety expression; however, there is little mechanistic evidence supporting an optimized treatment protocol. Thus, the objective of the current project is to develop an interleaved TMS/fMRI that can assess the effect of neuromodulatory (potentially therapeutic) TMS protocols on neural and behavioral measures related to anxiety expression. PUBLIC HEALTH RELEVANCE: These results will yield direct evidence that 1 Hz and cTBS modulate brain activity associated with anxiety expression and regulation, thus informing novel TMS based anxiety treatments.
Who can participate
Age range
18 Years – 50 Years
Sex
ALL
See this in plain English?
AI-rewrites the medical criteria so a patient or caregiver can understand them. Always confirm with the trial site.
Inclusion Criteria:
* Able to give their consent
* Right-handed
* Individuals receiving therapy for anxiety must be stable on their regimen for at least 4 weeks prior to study enrollment.
Exclusion Criteria:
* Non-english speaking
* Any significant medical or neurological problems
* Current or past non-anxiety-related psychiatric comorbidity, active or history of active suicidal ideation
* Alcohol/drug problems in the past year or lifetime alcohol or drug dependence
* Medications that act on the central nervous system
* History of seizure
* History of epilepsy
* Increased risk of seizure for any reason
* Pregnancy, or positive pregnancy test
* Any medical condition that increases risk for fMRI or TMS
* Any metal in their body which would make having an MRI scan unsafe
* Any sort of medical implants
* Hearing loss
* Claustrophobia
* orthostatic hypotension
Questions worth asking your doctor
Bring these to your next appointment. They're a starting point for a shared conversation — not a sign you qualify or a recommendation to enrol.
1Based on my diagnosis and history, is this trial worth exploring for me — or is there a standard treatment we should try first?
2What does this trial's phase tell us about how much is already known about its safety and benefit?
3What would taking part actually involve for me — visits, tests, time, and travel?
4What are the known and possible risks or side effects I should weigh, and how would they be monitored?
5If this trial isn't the right fit, what other options or trials would you suggest I look into?
Generated to help you prepare — always confirm anything about your own eligibility and care with the study team and your doctor.
Questions for the trial coordinator
The trial coordinator is the person who runs the study day to day. These cover the practical side — logistics, costs, and what taking part would actually mean for your life. The study team confirms whether you meet the criteria; these are questions to ask, not a sign you qualify.
1What does taking part actually involve week to week — how many visits, where, and how long does each one take?
2What costs are covered by the study, and what might I have to pay for myself, including travel, parking, or time off work?
3What happens during screening, and what happens if the study team confirms I don't meet the criteria after those tests?
4Who pays for the scans, blood work, and other tests the trial requires — the study, my insurance, or me?
5How will being in the trial affect my regular care, and will my own doctor stay informed and involved?
6Can I leave the trial at any point if I change my mind, and what would happen to my care if I do?
A starting point for the conversation — always confirm anything about your own eligibility, costs, and care with the study team and your doctor.
What they're measuring
1
TMS-evoked BOLD responses
Timeframe: Subjects will undergo 4 study visits spaced over a 5-week period. On visits 3 (week 2) and 4 (week 5), TMS-evoked BOLD responses will be recorded immediately (within 5 minutes) before and after the intervention.
2
Anxiety Potentiated Startle
Timeframe: Subjects will undergo 4 study visits spaced over a 5-week period. On visits 3 (week 2) and 4 (week 5), Anxiety Potentiated Startle will be recorded immediately (within 15 minutes) before and after the intervention.