TMS for PTSD in Youth

Trauma is a common occurrence among youth. Almost 60% of American youths experience a traumatic event before age 18, such as physical or sexual abuse, sudden loss of caregivers, or witnessing violence in the community or the home. Distress after a significantly traumatic event is to be expected, but for some youths, symptoms of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) linger for months or years, and can become chronic if left untreated. Symptoms of PTSD can include upsetting memories, avoidance of reminders, and emotional numbing, and other symptoms. These symptoms can create difficulties for family relationships, friendships, and schoolwork. Currently, the most effective treatment for PTSD is talk therapy (trauma-focused psychotherapy). However, sometimes young people continue to have symptoms of PTSD after completing talk therapy, and it is currently not known the best way to help with these persistent symptoms.

In this study, the total length of time participants will be involved in the study is about 16-weeks. During that time, participants will be asked to attend approximately 6 research visits and 10 treatment visits, for a total of 16 visits. The 6 research visits include a screening visit, an interview visit, 2 MRI visits, and 2 follow-up visits. The screening, interview, and follow-up visits can be completed virtually, over zoom. The study will include 2 MRI visits and 10 treatment visits. Virtual follow-up visits will be conducted 1 and 3 months after completion of treatment and will include interviews and questionnaires about participants symptoms.

Inclusion criteria

• Males and females; Age 12-20
• Have previously completed at least 9 sessions of trauma-focused therapy in our clinical trial or in the community
• Have current self-reported symptom score of 20 or greater on the UCLA PTSD Reaction index
• Willing to attend 10 TMS treatment sessions within a 30-day period
• Fluent in English

Exclusion criteria

• History of seizures
• History of head injury with loss of consciousness and concussive sequelae
• Brain abnormality such as tumor or other observable abnormality
• Currently receiving psychotherapy or TMS treatment
• Currently pregnant
• MRI contraindications (metal in body, orthodontic braces)
• Diagnosis of bipolar 1 or a psychotic disorder