Arousal-related Memory Following Theta Burst Stimulation.
120 participantsStarted 2026-10-01
Plain-language summary
Aim 1: Active cTBS to IPS will disrupt arousal-dependent temporal memory, reflected in reduced relative order discrimination accuracy and expanded temporal distance estimates, relative to sham.
Aim 2: Active iTBS to IPS will enhance arousal-dependent temporal memory, reflected in improved relative order discrimination accuracy and compressed temporal distance estimates, relative to sham.
Aim 3: Baseline physiological arousal, trait anxiety (STAI), Beck Anxiety Inventory (BAI), trauma symptoms (PCL-5), and individualized E-field strength will predict the magnitude of TBS-induced behavioral changes in temporal memory.
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 provide informed consent
* Right-handed (to ensure consistency in motor threshold determination)
Exclusion Criteria:
* Non-English speaking
* Significant medical problems
* Current or past psychiatric disorder
* Active or history of suicidal ideation
* Alcohol or drug problems in the past year, or lifetime alcohol or drug dependence
* Medications affecting the central nervous system
* History of seizure, epilepsy, or other neurological problems
* Any increased risk for seizure
* Pregnancy
* Medical conditions that increase risk for fMRI or TMS
* Metal in the body that makes MRI unsafe
* Medical implants
* 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.
1This trial uses something called theta burst stimulation to study how anxiety affects memory for the order and timing of emotional events — how does that kind of brain stimulation work, and is it considered safe for someone with my anxiety history?
2The trial isn't recruiting yet, so there's no guaranteed timeline for when it might start — given where I am in my treatment right now, does it make sense to wait for this study to open, or should we focus on other options in the meantime?
3This study seems to be focused on understanding memory and anxiety rather than treating anxiety directly — does that mean participating wouldn't offer me any direct therapeutic benefit, and is that something I should factor into my decision?
4The trial is measuring how well people judge the order and timing of memories, which sounds like research rather than treatment — could what they learn from this study eventually inform how my anxiety is treated, and should that future potential matter to me when deciding whether to participate?
5Are there any risks specific to theta burst stimulation that someone dealing with anxiety should know about before discussing this trial with a specialist?
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
Relative Order Discrimination
Timeframe: Task will be administered immediately following TBS or sham stimulation at Weeks 2 and 4.
2
Temporal Distance Estimation
Timeframe: Task will be administered immediately following TBS or sham stimulation at Weeks 2 and 4.