Breakthrough in treatment-resistant PTSD: The power of serial multimodal neuromodulation

For many patients with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), standard treatments like psychotherapy and medication provide relief. But what if these options don't work?
A study recently published in Psychiatry Research Case Reports sheds new light on an innovative solution: combining different forms of brain stimulation.

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What if standard care isn't enough?

PTSD is a complex condition that has a profound impact on daily life. Although effective treatments exist, a significant group of patients remains "treatment-resistant."
The case described involves a 45-year-old man who had been struggling for years with severe symptoms following childhood trauma.
Despite intensive therapy, various medications, and even electroconvulsive therapy (ECT), his symptoms persisted.

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A layered approach: Three techniques, one goal

The researchers chose a unique approach: serial multimodal neuromodulation. Instead of using a single technique, three different methods were applied sequentially to influence various networks in the brain:

1. tDCS (Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation): To 'prime' the brain and calm the autonomic nervous system.

2. rTMS (Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation): Targeted at the prefrontal cortex to improve control over emotions and traumatic memories.

3. TPS (Transcranial Pulse Stimulation): An innovative technique using ultrasound pulses to reach deeper brain regions involved in dissociation and memory.

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The result: A significant turnaround

The results of this combined approach were very promising. Following the treatment, the patient reported:

• A 60% reduction in depressive feelings and PTSD symptoms (measured using the PCL-5 scale).

• Improvements that remained stable for at least three months after treatment.

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Importantly, the treatment was well tolerated. There were only mild, temporary side effects such as slight headaches, which paves the way for broader application of this protocol in the future.

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The future of personalized psychiatry

This case demonstrates that when individual treatments fail, a synergistic combination of neuromodulation techniques can provide results.
Although larger-scale research is needed, this approach offers a hopeful perspective for the most complex forms of PTSD.

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About the publication

This article is published under an Open Access license (CC BY-NC-ND 4.0), meaning that the knowledge may be freely shared to further science and patient care.

Reference: Vanneste, S., Ost, J., & De Ridder, D. (2026). Sequential Multimodal Neuromodulation for Treatment-Resistant PTSD: A Case Report of Lasting Remission. Psychiatry Research Case Reports.

Read the full article: You can consult the final version of the article via the official DOI link on ScienceDirect to support the authors and view the most up-to-date information.

https://doi.org/10.1016/j.psycr.2026.100344

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