Brain connectivity changes across the three phases of trauma-focused therapy for teens with PTSD
Neural connectivity before and after each of the three treatment phases of trauma-focused therapy for adolescent posttraumatic stress
This project looks at how brain connections change during each phase of trauma-focused therapy for adolescents with post-traumatic stress.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Texas Hlth Science Center NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (San Antonio, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11296874 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
If you join, researchers will take brain scans before and after each of the three standard parts of Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (skills training, trauma narrative, and consolidation). They will look at changes in brain networks involved in thinking, emotion (including the amygdala), and self-processing to match each change to a therapy phase. The study follows adolescents with PTSD through the full course of TF-CBT and compares connectivity across time points. The aim is to link specific brain changes to learning new coping skills, processing traumatic memories, and strengthening recovery.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Adolescents with post-traumatic stress who are starting TF-CBT, can attend clinic visits in San Antonio, and can safely undergo MRI scans are ideal candidates.
Not a fit: People who are not receiving TF-CBT, are outside the target age range, or cannot have MRI scans (for example due to metal implants or severe claustrophobia) are unlikely to benefit from participating.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, findings could help personalize PTSD therapy for young people by matching treatments to how their brains respond.
How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have shown that psychotherapy can change brain activity in PTSD, but most only compare before and after treatment and this phase-by-phase approach is relatively new.
Where this research is happening
San Antonio, United States
- University of Texas Hlth Science Center — San Antonio, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Garrett, Amy S — University of Texas Hlth Science Center
- Study coordinator: Garrett, Amy S
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.