Effects of Repeated Trans Cranial Magnetic Stimulation on Cognitive Functions of Policemen With Post-traumatic Stress Disorder

Abstract

Objectives The present study aims to investigate the effects of repeated transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) on the cognitive functioning of policemen with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Methods This is a quasi-experimental study with a pre-test/post-test design. The study population included all male police officers referred to the neuropsychiatric department of Imam Sajjad Hospital in Tehran, Iran, in 2022. Of these, 30 policemen diagnosed with PTSD were selected using a convenience sampling method and randomly divided into two groups of control and intervention. Their PTSD was diagnosed using a diagnostic interview by a psychiatrist and an expert clinical psychologist. Cognitive functions were evaluated using Rey’s visual memory test (VMT), Rey’s auditory-verbal learning test (AVLT), Tower of London test (TLT), Stroop test, and Wisconsin card sorting test, which were performed at the pre-test and post-test phases for both groups. The intervention group received 20-Hz rTMS at 10 sessions, including 5 seconds of stimulation and 20 seconds of rest interval between each stimulation (1000 pulses per session). The data were analyzed by multivariate analysis of covariance in SPSS software, version 22. Results The intervention group showed better scores in the VMT, AVLT, TLT, residual error, number of card designs, interference score, interference time, congruent error, and incongruent error compared to the control group Conclusion The high-frequency rTMS has a positive effect on the cognitive functions of policemen suffering from PTSD.