UT Health San Antonio reports trial results for combat PTSD treatment

UT Health San Antonio says a randomized clinical trial found that adding navigated transcranial magnetic stimulation to psychotherapy reduced symptoms in people with combat-related post-traumatic stress disorder.

The study was published April 7, 2026 in JAMA Network Open, according to the university. It involved 119 active-duty military members and veterans, most with severe or extremely severe PTSD, who were taking part in a 30-day residential program at Laurel Ridge Treatment Center in San Antonio.

Researchers compared active navigated TMS with sham treatment while both groups received psychotherapy. UT Health San Antonio said the treatment uses MRI-guided, robotic-controlled stimulation targeted to specific brain regions.

The university said 85% of the active-treatment group showed significant symptom relief at one month, and the benefit appeared to hold up better at three months than in the sham group.

The lead investigator was identified as Peter T. Fox, MD, of UT Health San Antonio. The release described the findings as important evidence for a potential add-on treatment, but it did not say the approach is ready to replace established care.

The study adds to a growing body of research on neuromodulation for trauma-related disorders, though the university’s announcement focused on this specific combat PTSD trial and its reported symptom reductions.