This study is for veterans with chronic pain and PTSD (Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder). It uses a treatment called tDCS (transcranial direct current stimulation), which is a painless way to send tiny electrical currents to the brain to help reduce pain and PTSD symptoms. The study aims to see if this treatment, along with therapy, makes a difference.
The study is held at the Brain Health Center in Atlanta and involves screening, consenting, and participation in a mental health treatment program. Participants must be willing to self-administer the tDCS device and live in Georgia or Florida for follow-up.
Blood and saliva samples will be collected to study a protein called BDNF (Brain Derived Neurotropic Factor), which may help understand how pain and PTSD symptoms change with treatment.
- Participants must be 18-89 years old and treated at the Emory Healthcare Veterans Program.
- People with certain medical conditions, such as a pacemaker or seizure disorder, cannot join.
- The study does not involve using opioid medications for pain management.