TACS-PTSD: Personalised transcranial alternating current stimulation as a novel therapeutic treatment for post-traumatic stress disorder

This research aims to evaluate the efficacy of personalised transcranial alternating current stimulation (tACS) as a therapeutic approach for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). By using electroencephalography (EEG) to measure individual brain activity, we will personalise tACS treatments targeting alpha brain rhythms in posterior brain regions of participants. The study involves the recruitment of 26 participants with diagnosed PTSD into a randomized, double-blind, sham-controlled, cross-over trial comparing alpha-tACS with a placebo-tACS. Participants will receive both the active and placebo treatments during the trial. 

We hypothesise that personalised alpha-tACS sessions will 
(1) enhance alpha activity in posterior brain regions, and long-range connectivity from the prefrontal cortex and visual cortex, and 
(2) reduce clinical symptoms in participants with PTSD, relative to the sham condition. 

These findings will advance our understanding of the neural mechanisms implicated in PTSD symptomology in addition to developing new personalised neuromodulation therapies for PTSD.