Efficacy and Safety of Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation and Expressive Writing for Po… (NCT07567261) | Clinical Trial Compass
Not Yet RecruitingNot Applicable
Efficacy and Safety of Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation and Expressive Writing for Post-Traumatic Stress
Spain45 participantsStarted 2026-06
Plain-language summary
The goal of this clinical trial is to learn if a combined treatment using repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) and expressive writing works to reduce symptoms of post-traumatic stress in adults. It will also study how safe this treatment is and whether the timing of rTMS changes how well it works.
The main questions it aims to answer are:
* Does this combined treatment lower symptoms of post-traumatic stress?
* Does it work better when rTMS is given before or after expressive writing?
Researchers will compare three groups to see which approach works best:
* rTMS given before expressive writing
* rTMS given after expressive writing
* Sham stimulation (a look-alike procedure that does not provide real stimulation)
Participants will:
* Take part in sessions that include expressive writing about emotional experiences
* Receive either real rTMS or sham stimulation
* Complete questionnaires about post-traumatic stress, anxiety, depression, and mood
* Have their heart rate and skin responses measured during the sessions
* Be assessed before the study, after the sessions, and one month later
This study includes adults aged 18 to 65 who have experienced at least one traumatic or highly stressful event and report symptoms of post-traumatic stress.
Who can participate
Age range
18 Years – 65 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:
* Be between 18 and 65 years of age.
* Have experienced at least one traumatic or highly stressful event, regardless of how much time has passed since the event occurred.
* Present a score ≥ 24 on the Revised Impact of Event Scale (IES-R).
* Have post-traumatic stress symptoms that are not better explained by another clinical condition or mental disorder.
Exclusion Criteria:
* History of epilepsy, seizures, or convulsions.
* Presence of intracranial or cranial metal incompatible with rTMS.
* History of severe traumatic brain injury.
* Pregnancy or reasonable possibility of pregnancy.
* Cochlear implants or internal pulse generators.
* Use of medication that lowers the seizure threshold.
* Current suicidal ideation or behaviour, or recent suicidal ideation within the past month.
* Other medical or psychiatric conditions that contraindicate the use of rTMS.
* Any condition that prevents participation in any of the study interventions.
* Currently receiving psychological and/or pharmacological treatment for PTSD, acute stress, or another disorder that could account for post-traumatic stress symptoms.
* Failure to provide written informed consent.
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
Post-traumatic stress symptoms
Timeframe: Assessment at baseline, immediately after treatment and one month follow-up