Retrospective single-arm pre-post interventional study demonstrates reduction in PCL-5 scores with repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation.

BACKGROUND

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) affects approximately 7 % of the United States population and can have significant psychiatric and functional impairments. Repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) has emerged as a potential treatment, though its efficacy remains inadequately explored. This study evaluates the impact of rTMS on PTSD symptom severity, utilizing the PTSD Checklist for DSM-5 (PCL-5) as a validated outcome measure.

METHODS

A retrospective analysis was conducted on 127 patients meeting PTSD criteria (PCL-5 score ≥ 31) who underwent a standardized rTMS protocol between December 2021 and December 2023. Treatment parameters included dorsolateral prefrontal cortex stimulation with individualized motor threshold mapping. PCL-5 scores were assessed pre- and post-treatment using paired t-tests to quantify response to rTMS.

RESULTS

The mean pre-treatment PCL-5 score was 49.55, which decreased to 29.07 post-treatment (p < 0.0001). Clinically meaningful response (≥30 % reduction in PCL-5 score) was observed in 65.4 % of patients, with 42.5 % achieving a ≥ 50 % reduction. Female patients demonstrated a greater reduction in PTSD symptom severity compared to males (41.57 % versus 36.64 % reduction). No severe adverse events, including seizures, were reported.

CONCLUSIONS

rTMS significantly reduces PTSD symptom severity, with a clinically meaningful response observed in the majority of patients. These findings support the utility of rTMS as an effective, well-tolerated intervention for PTSD. Future studies should investigate long-term symptom stability and optimal stimulation parameters to refine treatment efficacy.