This study will take a basic neuroscience approach to investigate pathological mechanisms underlying PTSD. Additionally, the study aims to identify how Transcranial Alternating Current Stimulation (tACS) brain stimulation can modulate and correct neural networks and related emotions of anxious arousal and hypervigilance, with the goal of assessing tACS brain stimulation technology as a novel intervention for symptoms of anxiety.
Right-handed
With normal or corrected-to-normal vision and normal olfaction
Between the ages of 18 and 50 years
Meeting the tACS screening criteria (see List I below; e.g., lack of a serious head injury or loss of consciousness)
A history of diagnosis for a major medical illness (e.g., cancer, metabolic syndrome, cardiovascular disease, inflammatory disorders) or a neurological disorder (e.g., seizure, stroke, Parkinson's disease).
Patients: Concurrent Axis I diagnosis (depression, anxiety, and mild substance use disorder are allowed given their high comorbidity with PTSD).
Healthy controls: A history of diagnosis for a DSM-5 Axis I disorder or current use of psychoactive medications.
Severe psychiatric instability or severe situational life crises, including evidence of being actively suicidal or homicidal, or any behavior that poses an immediate danger to self or others.
The University of Texas Health Science Center, Houston
Lead sponsor
National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH)
Collaborator