Image-guided, Robotically Delivered Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation Treatment for Combat-Related Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder

Mounting amounts of evidence suggests that non-invasive stimulation of the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC) using repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) maybe a safe and effective treatment modality for Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). However the large variability in the magnitude of clinical outcomes reported is likely related to the current lack of knowledge of ideal side of stimulation (left vs right) and the limited precision in the targeting of brain circuits needed to obtain an optimal treatment response. In this protocol the investigators will: 1) generate individualized treatment plans based on an individual's functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging (fMRI) and meta-analytical based connectivity analysis to guide the delivery of adjunct, imaging-based \& robotically delivered rTMS to active duty military (ADM) subjects with PTSD participating in an intensive program providing integrated evidence-based psychotherapy and pharmacological management (Treatment as Usual (TAU)). 2) To use clinician ratings and self-report PTSD symptom scales, as well as other indicators of clinical change, to determine whether compared with TAU, addition of adjunct rTMS improves clinical outcomes. 3) To conduct neuroimaging-based assessments aimed to measure rTMS effects on network connectivity in ADM receiving treatment for PTSD and the potential correlation of connectivity changes with clinical outcomes.

The investigators propose a randomized, double-blind, sham-controlled, 20 consecutive day trial of adjunct rTMS to the right DLPFC for ADM with PTSD receiving TAU at Laurel Ridge Treatment Center (LRTC; San Antonio, TX). Methods: Consenting ADM receiving TAU for PTSD at LRTC will be randomized to receive 20 consecutive days of adjunct rTMS according to one of these two treatment arms: Arm 1 TAU plus rTMS to the right DLPFC and Arm 2 TAU plus sham rTMS. At UTHSCSA's Research Imaging Institute (RII), where all brain imaging will be conducted, rTMS treatment plans will be generated based on (pre-treatment) anatomical and functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) to guide the optimal robotic positioning of the TMS coil to accurately target each subject's DLPFC. Initial diagnostic interview and weekly clinical follows ups will be conducted at the LRTC by research clinicians blinded to subjects' research group. A comparison of baseline brain connectivity measurements with subjects' neuroimaging follow ups conducted at treatment Week 3 will be conducted to identify network connectivity changes potentially associated to treatment response.