Digital cue-based technique with eye movements for intrusive memories after trauma

Is this trial a fit for you?

A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.

What this trial studies

The study uses a randomized, three-arm design to compare trauma-related images, participant-provided images, and neutral images, each paired with bilateral eye movements. It targets adults with PTSD who experience at least five intrusive memories per week and have internet access, aiming to enroll about 40 participants per arm. The primary outcome is the weekly frequency of intrusive memories, with secondary outcomes including PTSD severity measured by CAPS-5. Data will be collected online for efficiency and safety, with an emphasis on minimizing distress during the intervention. The study is conducted at Shaanxi Normal University in Xi'an, led by Zhu Zijian.

Why it matters

Who can join: the full rules

Inclusion Criteria:

1. Meet the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5) Criterion A for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), which requires exposure to an event involving serious injury or a threat to one's own or another person's physical well-being, either through direct experience or witnessing.
2. Exhibit symptoms from at least three of the five core PTSD symptom domains outlined in DSM-5: intrusive memories (Criterion B), persistent avoidance of trauma-related stimuli (Criterion C), negative alterations in cognitions and mood (Criterion D), alterations in arousal and reactivity (Criterion E), and symptoms lasting for at least one month (Criterion F).
3. Have a total score of 33 or higher on the Clinician-Administered PTSD Scale for DSM-5 (CAPS-5).
4. Have internet access and access to a personal computer.
5. Have not taken part in a previous study of this intervention conducted by this research team.

Exclusion Criteria:

1. Fewer than 5 intrusive memories during the baseline week (Week 0).
2. An intelligence quotient (IQ) score lower than 80.
3. A current diagnosis of schizophrenia, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), a severe personality disorder judged to interfere with treatment adherence, or acute suicidal behavior.
4. Severe substance dependence.

Where it's running

• School of Psychology, Shaanxi Normal University
  Xi'an, Shaanxi, China Recruiting

Study contacts

• Study coordinator: Zijian Zhu
• Email: zhuzijian0203@snnu.edu.cn
• Phone: +86 13572494696

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How to take part

1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
2. Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
3. Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.