Effect of tDCS Timing on Safety Memory in PTSD

PTSD Clinical Trial

Official title: Effect of tDCS Timing on Safety Memory in PTSD

Status Completed

Clinical Trial Summary

The primary purpose of this study is to investigate the effects of tDCS timing on safety memory in PTSD. A total of 90 participants will be randomized equally across one of three groups:

1. One group receiving active stimulation during extinction and sham during consolidation

2. One group receiving sham stimulation during extinction and active during consolidation

3. One group receiving sham stimulation both during extinction and consolidation

This study will also include an online sub-study focused on contextual processing along the PTSD spectrum. A maximum of 500 participants will be recruited using an online, panel-based platform.

Clinical Trial Description

This is a three-arm study composed of four to five visits over an approximate period of three weeks. Ninety participants will be exposed to a fear conditioning, extinction and recall paradigm at three separate study visits; one of these study visits will include active or sham transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) for a period of 15-20 minutes. Additional study procedures will include a screening period and two optional MRI scans, one done on study day 2 and one done on study day 5.

SUB-STUDY: The objective of this sub-study is to test performance differences between configural and elemental contextual processing in individuals across the PTSD spectrum using an online, panel-based platform. Following a within-subjects study design, up to 500 adult participants, 18-89 years, will be asked to complete experimental tasks that assess configural and elemental contextual learning and memory. They will also provide demographic information and complete questionnaires. ;

Related Conditions & MeSH terms

• PTSD
• Stress Disorders, Post-Traumatic

• NCT number: NCT04152772
• Study type: Interventional
• Source: Butler Hospital
• Status: Completed
• Phase: N/A
• Start date: November 22, 2019
• Completion date: January 31, 2024