The treatment portion of this study consists of a 40 minute TMS session 5 days a week (Mon-Fri) for 6 weeks. Other visits include an intake assessment, a pre-treatment MRI, a post-treatment assessment and MRI, and a 6 month follow up visit. Participants are paid for both MRI visits, the post-treatment visit and the follow up visit. Half of participants will receive real TMS, while the other half will receive sham (placebo) TMS.
Organization:
Hartford Hospital’s Institute of Living, Yale University School of Medicine
Eligibility Criteria:
Individuals with the following will be considered for this study:
- Diagnosed with GAD as the principal or co-principal disorder
- Clinical Global Impression Score ≥ 4
- Hamilton Anxiety Rating Scale ≥ 18
- Hamilton Rating Scale for Depression ≤ 17
- Fluency in English
- Capacity to understand the nature of the study and willingness to sign informed consent form
Exclusion Criteria:
Individuals with the following will not be considered for the study:
- History of epilepsy or head trauma (LOC > 5 minutes) within the past 6 months. Lifetime history of increased intracranial pressure, seizure disorder, stroke, brain tumor, multiple sclerosis, or brain surgery
- A review of patient medications by the study physician indicates an increased risk of seizure
- An active autoimmune, endocrine, viral, or vascular disorder affecting the brain; any unstable cardiac disease; hypertension; or severe renal or liver insufficiency
- Substance use disorder or post traumatic stress disorder within the past 6 months. Lifetime obsessive-compulsive disorder,bipolar disorder, psychotic disorder, mental retardation, or pervasive developmental disorder. Any psychotic features, including dementia or delirium
- Concurrent psychotherapy and unwillingness to discontinue
- Medication change within past 3 months
- Current serious suicidal or homicidal ideation, and/or serious suicidal attempt within past 6 months
- Serious, unstable, or terminal medical condition or clinically judged too psychiatrically unstable to participate in the study
- Any contraindication for participation in MRI scan
Contact:
Laura Bragdon, 860-545-7386, lbragdon@harthosp.org
