Investigating the effects of propranolol on traumatic memories
Official title: Mismatch vs. standard intervention during memory reconsolidation blockade with propranolol: effect on psychophysiological reactivity during traumatic imagery
Funded at Massachusetts General Hospital · NIH-10868730 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at a new way to help people with PTSD by using a medication called propranolol while they remember their traumatic experiences, to see if it can make those memories less intense and easier to handle.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Massachusetts General Hospital NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Boston, United States) |
| Project start | June 15, 2023 |
| Project end | May 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $167,500 |
| NIH project number | 5R21MH131987-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10868730 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with posttraumatic stress disorder who are experiencing significant distress related to traumatic memories.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not have a history of trauma or those without PTSD may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research explores a new approach to treating posttraumatic stress symptoms by using propranolol, a beta-blocker, during the reactivation of traumatic memories. The study aims to understand how a mismatch between expected and actual experiences during memory retrieval can weaken these memories. Participants will undergo sessions where they recall traumatic events while receiving propranolol, and their physiological responses will be monitored to assess the effectiveness of this intervention. The goal is to develop a more effective treatment for individuals suffering from PTSD.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved treatments for individuals with posttraumatic stress disorder, helping them manage their symptoms more effectively.
How similar studies have gone: Previous studies have shown promising results using propranolol for memory reconsolidation, indicating that this approach has potential based on earlier findings.
Where this research is happening
-
Massachusetts General Hospital
Boston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Tanev, Kaloyan Stefanov — Massachusetts General Hospital
- Study coordinator: Tanev, Kaloyan Stefanov
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.