Brain Stimulation for Stress
(NUMBER Trial)

Recruiting in Palo Alto (17 mi)

Overseen byThomas E Kraynak, PhD

Age: 18 - 65

Sex: Any

Travel: May Be Covered

Time Reimbursement: Varies

Trial Phase: Academic

Waitlist Available

Sponsor: University of Pittsburgh

No Placebo Group

Trial Summary

What is the purpose of this trial?

Investigators are conducting this study to test if temporarily and non-invasively stimulating the brain will affect the emotional response to stress in healthy participants. Participants will perform a series of tasks while completing an MRI scan. After this, participants will be randomized to undergo transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) at two visits, undergoing active stimulation at one visit and undergoing 'sham' stimulation at another visit. Immediately following both stimulation sessions, participants will repeat the tasks during MRI scanning.

Research Team

Thomas E Kraynak, PhD

Principal Investigator

University of Pittsburgh

Eligibility Criteria

This trial is for healthy individuals interested in how brain stimulation might affect their emotional response to stress. Participants should be willing to undergo MRI scans and two sessions of transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS), one active and one sham.

Inclusion Criteria

I am between 30 and 50 years old.

English language proficiency (English as the primary language used in the home for the past 10 years)

Report that they will reside in the Pittsburgh area for at least 6 weeks, to maintain scheduling availability

Exclusion Criteria

Substance use: excessive alcohol consumption and illicit drug use

I regularly take more than 2 non-insulin diabetes medications.

I have been taking certain medications regularly for the last 14 days.

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Treatment Details

Interventions

Active continuous theta burst stimulation (Neuromodulation)
Sham continuous theta burst stimulation (Neuromodulation)

Trial OverviewThe study tests the effects of a non-invasive brain stimulation technique called continuous theta burst stimulation on managing stress and anxiety. It involves comparing active TMS with a placebo-like 'sham' version while participants complete tasks during an MRI scan.

Participant Groups

2Treatment groups

Experimental Treatment

Group I: Sham then ActiveExperimental Treatment2 Interventions

In this arm, participants will first undergo sham theta burst stimulation (cTBS) at the first visit and then undergo active cTBS in the second visit.

Group II: Active then ShamExperimental Treatment2 Interventions

In this arm, participants will first undergo active theta burst stimulation (cTBS) at the first visit and then undergo sham cTBS in the second visit.