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Changes in Trauma-based Intrusive Memory Characteristics Associated with Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation
Amalia Badawi1, Zachary Steel2,3, Kris Rogers1,4,5
1Graduate School of Health, University of Technology, Sydney, Australia.
The Psychiatric Quarterly
|May 6, 2025
Summary
Repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) for depression effectively reduced trauma-based intrusive memories and associated distress. This treatment also improved traumatic stress and general mental health symptoms in inpatients.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Psychiatry
- Clinical Psychology
Background:
- Trauma-based intrusive memories are a core symptom of PTSD.
- Repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) is an established treatment for depression.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the efficacy of rTMS in reducing trauma-based intrusive memories and associated symptoms.
- To examine the impact of rTMS on traumatic stress and general psychopathology.
Main Methods:
- A within-subject daily-sampling design was employed with 25 inpatients receiving 20 rTMS sessions for depression.
- Intrusive memory frequency, intensity, and distress were rated daily.
- Linear mixed models and repeated measures t-tests analyzed changes over time.
Main Results:
- Significant non-linear decreases in intrusive memory frequency and associated characteristics were observed.
- Changes noted in the first week of treatment were sustained throughout the 20 sessions.
- Large effect sizes were found for traumatic stress, re-experiencing, depression, and stress symptoms.
Conclusions:
- Routine rTMS for depression shows clinical viability for reducing trauma-based intrusive memories and PTSD symptoms.
- The findings suggest rTMS can be extended beyond depression treatment to address trauma-related symptomatology.
