Intermittent theta burst stimulation over the left prefrontal cortex: no additional effect for virtual reality exposure therapy in acrophobia-a randomized trial.

ABSTRACT: Anxiety disorders are the most prevalent mental health conditions. Besides psycho-pharmacotherapy, cognitive behavioral therapy with an exposure-based approach is considered the gold standard. However, not all patients benefit from this approach. Here, we aimed to translate laboratory findings on enhanced fear extinction with repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) to the clinic. In this double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled clinical trial, 76 participants with acrophobia received an activating intermittent theta burst stimulation (iTBS) targeting the left posterior prefrontal cortex immediately before two virtual reality exposure therapy sessions. Phobic symptoms were assessed at baseline, post-intervention, and a 6-month follow-up. Results revealed a significant reducti

SUBMITTER: Cybinski LM 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11603325 | biostudies-literature | 2024 Nov

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature