In this study, the investigators are evaluating whether transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS), a brain stimulation technique, can be combined with Written Exposure Therapy (WET), a standard talk therapy for posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) to improve treatment response and improve symptom of traumatic brain injury (TBI).
After consenting to be in the study, participants will be asked to complete a baseline assessment of your psychological and physical health that will determine whether you are able to participate in the study. Following the baseline, you will be randomly assigned to receive tDCS or a sham/placebo. Everyone will also participate in 5 weekly WET psychotherapy sessions for 5 consecutive weeks. The first appointment will be 90 minutes and the subsequent appointments will be 60 minutes. tDCS or sham/placebo will occur during the writing portion of the session. All participants will also be asked to complete 1-, 3-, and 6-month posttreatment follow-up assessments.
U.S military service member or veteran (18-70 years old)
PTSD diagnosis as assessed by Clinician-Administered Posttraumatic Stress Scale (CAPS-5-R)
History of mild to moderate Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)
Able to speak, read, and write in English (due to assessment measures and writing intervention)
TBI that occurred within the past three months prior to the baseline assessment
History of significant intracranial pathology (e.g., severe TBI)
History of major neurological disorder (e.g., epilepsy, dementia)
Metallic objects other than dental appliances/fillings above the shoulders.
The University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio
Lead sponsor
United States Department of Defense
Collaborator